Chelsea has been fined £25,000 by the Football Association after a flurry of yellow cards and a red marred their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend.

The fiery contest saw goalkeeper Robert Sanchez dismissed just five minutes into the game, setting the tone for a night of ill-discipline. While United’s Casemiro was the only Red Devil to be sent off after receiving a second yellow card before half-time, Chelsea players racked up six bookings.

Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Enzo Fernandez, Tosin Adarabioyo and Tyrique George all went into the referee’s book, alongside Sanchez’s early red card, triggering the FA’s automatic fine for teams that accumulate six cards in a single match.

This is not the first time Chelsea have faced disciplinary sanctions. The west London club were fined three times last season for reaching the same threshold, with penalties escalating from £25,000 to £75,000 across matches against Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.

Chelsea’s struggles with discipline continue this season, with 12 yellow cards and one red in just five league matches. Only Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Everton and Brighton have picked up more bookings so far, though none have seen a player sent off.

Despite criticism, manager Enzo Maresca dismissed suggestions of a major discipline issue. “It’s something we need to improve but overall, I like the team the way they are fighting,” he said. “For sure, there are things we can control and do better, but if you ask me about the team spirit, I’m very happy.”

Chelsea return to Premier League action against Brighton on Saturday. Sanchez, who served his suspension in the Carabao Cup tie against Lincoln City, will be available for selection. (AriseNews TV)