Chelsea

Football mourns death of Osgood
Chelsea and Southampton legend Peter Osgood has died at the age of 59. Osgood collapsed while attending a family funeral service on Wednesday at Slough crematorium before he was taken to Wexham Park Hospital. The forward made 380 appearances for the Blues and scored 150 goals, helping his side win the 1970 FA Cup and 1971 European Cup Winners' Cup. He joined the Saints in 1974 and guided the club to victory over Manchester United in the 1976 FA Cup final. Osgood was also a member of England's 1970 World Cup squad and made four appearances for the national side. The Football Asssociation said that there will be a minute's silence before England's friendly against Uruguay at Anfield on Wednesday. Both Chelsea and Southampton also paid tribute to their former star. "Affection and esteem for the man the fans titled the King of Stamford Bridge could not be higher. Today is a very sad day indeed," said Chelsea in a statement on their website. The Saints plan to hold a minute's silence and players will wear black armbands for Saturday's Championship game against Coventry in recognition of both Osgood and former striker Charlie Wayman, who also passed away this week. Tommy Docherty, the manager who gave Osgood his Chelsea debut in 1964, praised the player's bravery. "He was a great lad and brought a breath of fresh air every time he came into the dressing room," he told Sir Stanley. "Peter had world-class skill. He was a big lad, great in the air and as brave as a lion. He had all the skill in the world and a great sense of humour." Former Chelsea defender Ron "Chopper" Harris paid the ultimate tribute to Osgood. "People will always say the best player at Chelsea has been Gianfranco Zola but I would say Peter was the greatest," he said. "He was such strong player, a big fellow who scored goals and scared defenders." Osgood signed amateur forms for Chelsea in 1964 at the age of 17 before agreeing to a professional contract, scoring twice on his debut against Workington in a fifth-round League Cup tie replay. The crafty forward also scored in every round of the 1970 FA Cup including the replay of the final that the Blues won 2-1 at the expense of Leeds. The following year Osgood's Chelsea beat Spanish giants Real Madrid to win the European Cup Winners' Cup. The Windsor-born star also scored for the Blues in the final of the 1972 League Cup final, but his side went down 2-1 to Stoke City. Osgood came close to joining Stoke after talks with manager Tony Waddington but Southampton boss Lawrie McMenemy persuaded the 27-year-old to go to the south coast after a transfer fee of £275,000 was agreed with the Blues. He enjoyed more success in the FA Cup as the Saints overcame the might of United 1-0 with a goal from Bobby Stokes. Osgood tried his luck in the United States with Philadelphia Fury before coming back to Stamford Bridge for a short second spell with Chelsea. Many were surprised that he appeared only four times for England's senior squad. His international debut came against Belgium in 1970 before going on to make substitute appearances at the World Cup.

Lampard to undergo scan on injury
Frank Lampard will have a scan on Wednesday on the hamstring injury that ruled him out of England's friendly against Uruguay at Anfield. The 27-year-old is believed to have picked up the knock while playing for Chelsea against Barcelona in the Champions League last week. He then aggravated the injury during an England training session on Tuesday. He is doubtful for Saturday's game at West Brom and could also miss the return leg against Barcelona. Chelsea lost the first leg of their last 16 match against the Spaniards 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. The Blues found themselves down to 10 men when Asier del Horno was sent off and Lampard was understood to have played on in the match after picking up the injury because of his side's disadvantage. However, the midfielder recovered enough to play the full game against Portsmouth and score to help Chelsea to victory last Saturday. The Blues, who have a 15-point lead in the Premiership, will be hoping Lampard recovers in time for next Tuesday's match at the Nou Camp, with Michael Essien and Del Horno already out because of suspension.

Chelsea consider Osgood memorial
Chelsea may make a permanent tribute to Peter Osgood, who died of a heart attack on Wednesday at the age of 59. Osgood made 380 appearances for the Blues, scoring 150 goals, and was dubbed the 'King of Stamford Bridge'. "We understand our fans will want to make suggestions and want to know about arrangements to celebrate Peter's life and career," said a club statement. "These will be considered over the coming days once Peter's family have been consulted over their wishes." Osgood helped the Blues win the FA Cup in 1970, when he scored in every round, and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1971. He moved to Southampton in 1974 and was part of the then old Second Division club's FA Cup victory over Manchester United in 1976 A minute's silence will be observed at Chelsea's weekend match at West Brom, as it will before Southampton's home game against Coventry. Joe Cole dedicated his winning goal for England against Uruguay to Osgood having been stunned to learn of the Chelsea legend's death just hours before the Anfield friendly. "It is a sad day, not just for Chelsea but the whole of football," said Cole following his man of the match performance. "I would like to dedicate my goal to Peter and his family. "It is very difficult to take in because we only found out a couple of hours before the game. "He was a smashing fellow and all I can do at this moment is send my condolences and best wishes to his family." Chelsea skipper John Terry echoed Cole's sentiments and hailed Osgood as "a true legend". He said: "I was absolutely devastated to hear the terrible news. "Speaking on behalf of Chelsea Football Club, I can say that Peter Osgood was an absolute legend. "He was a fantastic player, but also a great man as well, and still very involved with the current team and the club. "I spoke to him many times, and when we had our pre-match meals he was always there, and at the games he was always there supporting us." Blues manager Jose Mourinho said: "I have only been at Chelsea a short time but of course I know Peter Osgood was a legend at Stamford Bridge. "He was one of the greats of Chelsea and will be missed."

Chelsea leading race for Ballack
Chelsea are the hot favourites to sign Michael Ballack, according to the Bayern Munich midfielder's agent. Michael Becker told Sir Stanley: "Nothing has been signed, but there will be ongoing contact with Chelsea. There is strong interest from both sides. "The trend is in this direction (to move to Chelsea). "Michael had initially been very keen on Real Madrid. But the leadership changes there in the last few months mean we don't know what's happening." Real sacked coach Wanderley Luxemburgo in December last year and their president, Florentino Perez, stepped down earlier this week. Becker said: "There has been a change in the whole set-up at Real and we don't know where we stand - it's very confusing." Ballack, 29, will be a free agent in the summer when his contract at Bayern Munich expires. An Italian newspaper claimed on Thursday that the player's representatives had held talks with Inter Milan. "Michael will continue his career with a side that will win the Champions League," he said. "He definitely will not go to Inter Milan. He would only move to a club where he has a better chance of winning the Champions League than at Bayern. "Inter are currently third in Serie A, whereas Bayern are top in the German league."

West Brom 1-2 Chelsea
Chelsea marked manager Jose Mourinho's 100th match in charge with a win to further cement their Premiership lead. Having been virtually anonymous as an attacking force in the first-half, Chelsea took the lead on 50 minutes through Didier Drogba's low shot. Chelsea were reduced to 10 men when Arjen Robben was sent off for a wild two-footed lunge on Jonathan Greening. Joe Cole made it 2-0 from close-range, before Kanu led a late Baggies rally and slipped the ball past Petr Cech. Chelsea's win contained all the ingredients that have characterised Mourinho's reign, lethal finishing allied to superb defensive play, sprinkled with a huge dose of controversy. Mourinho's managerial counterpart Bryan Robson was left fuming at Chelsea's late return to the pitch at the start of the second half as the interval stretched to 18 minutes. Robben's dismisssal for a dangerous tackle after he had lost the ball was fully deserved, while Robson and Mourinho had another bad tempered exchange just before Cole's goal. If Chelsea were at their efficient best in the second half, Mourinho's side were altogether more sloppy in the opening 45 minutes. After Eidur Gudjohnsen badly scuffed a shot wide in the game's first chance, Chelsea found it difficult to get out of first gear. Chelsea's sluggish start allowed West Brom to come into the game and Kevin Campbell drew a fine save from Cech following Diomansy Kamara's free-kick. Cech was then unable to get sufficient distance on his punch from a Greening cross and Jan Kozak went close with a lob that landed on the roof of the net. Just before the half-hour Chelsea managed to finally test Tomasz Kuszczak, who moved swiftly to collect Damien Duff's shot. Five minutes before the interval Kamara slalomed down the wing before cutting inside and shooting into the side-netting. If Chelsea were sloppy in that opening half, West Brom picked up the habit after the interval with fatal consequences. Junichi Inamoto's casual pass richocheted to Drogba and as succession of West Brom defenders stood off, the Ivory Coast striker found the corner with a low shot. Drogba then almost grabbed a second, running on to Robert Huth's diagonal pass, before striking a half-volley that Kuszczak was unable to hold. Having finally established some semblance control of the match, Chelsea found themselves playing the last half-hour at a numerical disadvantage after Robben was red-carded for his reckless tackle on Greening. But West Brom shot themselves in the foot for a second time as substitute Cole was on hand to fire the ball into the net after the home side failed to clear the ball after a Drogba shot. With two minutes to go Kanu was on hand at the near post to force the ball past Cech, but Chelsea held on to pick up another three points. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Brom boss Bryan Robson: "I have invited him (Mourinho) and his staff in after the game for a glass of wine. I have no qualms about it. "That's it as far as I'm concerned. "He is a very good coach and is doing a fantastic job at Chelsea. They grind out results. He hasn't wound me up, my team wound me up." Chelsea captain John Terry: "The referee was saying Arjen Robben's was a two-footed tackle but he didn't touch the man at all. "We had a long team talk. We got a bit of a telling-off at half-time, it was what we needed. "Our fans were fantastic, singing Peter Osgood's name, and we'd like to dedicate that win to him. He was a great man." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Brom: Kuszczak, Albrechtsen (Watson 82), Curtis Davies, Clement, Robinson, Greening, Wallwork, Kozak, Inamoto (Ellington 71), Kamara, Campbell (Kanu 71). Subs Not Used: Kirkland, Carter. Booked: Wallwork. Goals: Kanu 88. Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Terry, Huth, Gallas, Essien, Makelele, Gudjohnsen (Geremi 73), Robben, Drogba (Wright-Phillips 85), Duff (Joe Cole 63). Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Maniche. Sent Off: Robben (62). Goals: Drogba 51, Joe Cole 74. Att: 26,581. Ref: M Halsey (Lancashire).

Mourinho reveals plan for Messi
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is planning to double mark Barcelona winger Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp. The 18-year-old was superb as Barcelona won the first leg of their Champions League tie 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. "We must have double marking," said Mourinho. "With 10 players that is not possible to mark Messi. He will have a lot of space. "He dribbles very well and if he has a one-on-one and wins it you always need a second man to avert the danger." Left-back Asier del Horno was sent-off at Stamford Bridge after an incident involving Messi - but Mourinho was highly critical of the Argentine's reaction. He said at the time: "How do you say cheating in Catalan? Can Messi be suspended for acting? He's learned play-acting." Messi is unhappy with Mourinho's comments and is determined to make sure Chelsea are eliminated from the competition. "I want to produce the biggest match of my life against Chelsea to silence the mouth of Mourinho and his players. "They claim I am an actor. They are wrong. I have received many kicks this season. The actors are for the cinema and not for sport." Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard said his young star was not concerned with what happened at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago. He said: "Messi is not troubled at all. In fact it is extra motivation for him. He is calm and ready for the match. "We definitely have the advantage. The result is in our favour, we have the confidence and we think we can do the job." Former Liverpool striker Michael Robinson, now Spain's leading football pundit, believes that Chelsea can win the tie and got through to the last eight. "Chelsea have to be faithful in their own way of playing football," Robinson told Sir Stanley. "They play almost by memory and then with a certain eloquence when it gets wide and the midfield players come forward. "If they want to come out of their own script and want to improvise then I think they'll get hammered."

Chelsea & Barca told to play fair
Chelsea and Barcelona have been told Uefa will closely watch their behaviour during Tuesday's Champions League second leg tie at the Nou Camp. Lennart Johansson, the president of the governing body, said: "Both sides are aware they are being observed and they know what expectations we have of them. "I'm quite glad to say I found out that there is a feeling of responsibility towards the public from both sides." Barca fans spat at Chelsea staff as the Blues arrived in the city on Sunday. The hostility towards Chelsea started last year when manager Jose Mourinho accused Barcelona counterpart Frank Rijkaard of influencing the referee during the first leg of the two teams' encounter. On Tuesday they must try to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, which saw Asier Del Horno sent off for a challenge on Barca's Lionel Messi, who was then accused of "acting" by Mourinho. The Chelsea manager has been at the centre of controversy ever since, with local newspapers in Barcelona dubbing him "a monster". Johansson said: "I hope to see a match that pleases the spectators. I hope there will be fair play, no signs of racism and that the weather conditions and the pitch will be all right." The Uefa president refused to make any criticism of Chelsea. "The way they have tried to make arrangements with players and the squad they have now is excellent. "And again their coach is one of the best we have in Europe. "I cannot be very critical with Chelsea or anyone else. Tell me a coach who has not made a statement at some time that he should not have done. "He (Mourinho) has learned, and everyone has learned, that is does not pay to misbehave." Earlier on Tuesday Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho brushed aside the furore surrounding his manager. "It's more difficult for him, because he is the one having the problems going through the airport. The players don't have so many problems." And Chelsea striker Didier Drogba told The Sun newspaper: "Not everyone in the world likes Mourinho but he deserves respect. "He is the greatest. There is no other coach that I would want in this situation. With all due respect to Barca I'm convinced we will come back." On Monday, Mourinho insisted he did not have a problem with being a figure of hate amongst Barcelona fans. "I'm the first to leave the airport, I know what I am doing. After that the players don't have anything. "It was the same at the hotel. I left two or three minutes before and the guys follow me so it's easy for them." Mourinho added: "On Tuesday I will go to the pitch before the game and try to take the good feeling of the crowd. "But I can't do anything once the referee starts the game. It's up to the players, but we have players with some experience and they can handle the situation." Meanwhile Barca boss Rijkaard condemned the hostile reception that the Chelsea boss, who used to be on the coaching staff at Barca, received. "I felt very bad about what happened," said the Dutchman. "I think we now have a fantastic opportunity to show we have respect for Chelsea and we should applaud them when they step on to the pitch. "Mourinho has achieved a great deal in his career, he is one of the best coaches in the world and he has a past with Barcelona. "I want our fans to cheer him because he is a great coach." And Barcelona vice president Ferran Soriano has played down the rivalry between the two clubs. "The relationship between Chelsea and Barcelona at an institutional level, at a business level, is perfect," Soriano told Sir Stanley. "Regarding the coaches, I think Frank has always been very calm and very polite and has tried not to create unneccessary excitement. "But each coach has his own way of doing things - we respect Mourinho for what he has done, he knows what he is doing and how to do it. "There were some people shouting at him but it's a small thing."

Robben is banned for four matches
Chelsea winger Arjen Robben faces a four-match ban after his appeal against a red card at West Brom was dismissed. A Football Association disciplinary commission rejected the 22-year-old's claim for wrongful dismissal. Referee Mark Halsey showed Robben a straight red card for serious foul play after his two-footed challenge on the Baggies' Jonathan Greening. Robben will serve an extra game on top of the usual three-match ban as it is his second dismissal of the season.

Inter rule out move for Ballack
Inter Milan have pulled out of the race to sign Michael Ballack, leaving Chelsea in pole position to land the Germany captain, 29, during the summer. "I have read things in recent days that are not true," said Massimo Moratti, owner of the Italian Serie A side. "From what I understand, it appears Ballack's requirements are exorbitant and, therefore, we are not interested. This is the end of the Ballack affair." Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich insist contract renewal talks are "ongoing". And the suspicion remains that Ballack is using interest from other clubs to drive up the value of a new deal at Bayern. However, club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes the player is heading to Chelsea in the summer. "Inter made their move for Ballack much too late. I'm sure that by now he is joining Chelsea. "There are little possibilities he'll stay. The reasons are not of an economic nature but in his desire to have new experiences." Ballack has denied reports that he has already signed a four-year deal with the Blues, but has made it clear he wants a new challenge. His agent Michael Becker told Sir Stanley that Ballack would want to join a club with a better chance of winning the Champions League than Bayern, who crashed out of this season's tournament at AC Milan in the first knockout round. Manager Felix Magath has previously admitted Bayern are seeking a replacement for the midfielder, saying: "We need to look for a leading figure outside the club. "When Michael leaves we will lose a personality who takes responsibility." "We do depend a lot on him but that does not mean we will have problems once he's gone. "This is a great opportunity to take a new orientation." Ballack, who joined Bayern from Bayer Leverkusen in 2002, is generally regarded as Germany's only genuine world-class player.

Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham
William Gallas broke Tottenham's hearts and resistance with an injury-time winner at Stamford Bridge. Gallas curled a spectacular shot around Paul Robinson to tighten Chelsea's grip at the top of the Premiership. Chelsea went ahead when Michael Essien tucked away his first goal for Chelsea from Shaun Wright-Phillips' low cross. Jermaine Jenas scored a deserved equaliser for Spurs when he reacted first to Michael Dawson's knock-down to nick the ball past Petr Cech. On Chelsea's lush, newly-laid pitch, Wright-Phillips made a good early impression as he sought make the most of a rare Premiership start. The England man held the ball up well for Crespo to fire a dangerous ball across the Spurs box, before Mido's ferocious shot from a narrow angle sparked a spell of intense Tottenham pressure. Chelsea rode out that storm and Wright-Phillips soon stormed forward again to draw a great save from Paul Robinson. The ball ran free to Essien who stabbed the ball wide of the open goal from 10 yards. And inevitably, Wright-Phillips was eventually at the heart of Chelsea's opener. He latched on to a suicidal square pass by Michael Carrick, and his low cross was dummied by Crespo and found Essien who tucked the ball away from eight yards. The goal helped Chelsea settle into a better rhythm, with Spurs to some degree architects of their own downfall as they consistently gave the ball away cheaply. Carrick was the culprit for the goal, but he did make amends with a beautifully delivered free-kick for Spurs' equaliser. Dawson won the aerial battle with Robert Huth and Jenas reacted first to his nod-down to steal in and prod the ball past Cech. Chelsea's players and staff celebrate their late winner After half-time, full-back Lee Young-Pyo was patently under instruction to curb his attacking instincts, and that helped Spurs contain Wright-Phillips. Indeed the visitors - with Dawson especially stoic - were managing to keep the Blues at bay, although when Lampard spread play superbly for Crespo to whip in a cross, Ledley King sliced his attempted clearance on to the roof of his own net. And from Lampard's resulting corner Terry's towering header was acrobatically palmed over by Robinson. More Premiership pictures At the other end, King's raking pass sent Jenas clear but the midfielder's weak finish allowed Cech to save. But just when it looked like Spurs would become only the second side this season to deny Chelsea Premiership victory at Stamford Bridge, up stepped Gallas. Cutting in from the left, he curled a super shot round a helpless Robinson to leave Spurs still looking for their first league win over Chelsea in 16 years. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chelsea defender William Gallas on Jose Mourinho's goalscoring celebrations with his players: "That's Mourinho. "Some people like him, some people don't but he's a good manager and we're all behind him. "We want to win everything for him , we want to win the Premiership and the FA and hopefully next season we'll win everything." Spurs coach Chris Hughton: "It was heartbreaking but we're still upbeat about finishing in fourth place and the performance. "We started very bright, did well on the counter-attack and in the second half we looked solid and cope fairly well. "We came up against the best team in the country and most people would say we deserved something from the game." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Huth, Terry, Gallas, Makelele, Wright-Phillips (Drogba 68), Lampard, Essien (Maniche 77), Joe Cole (Duff 68), Crespo. Subs Not Used: Del Horno, Cudicini. Booked: Duff, Drogba. Goals: Essien 14, Gallas 90. Tottenham: Robinson, Stalteri, King, Dawson, Lee, Jenas, Carrick, Davids, Tainio, Mido, Keane (Defoe 83). Subs Not Used: Murphy, Cerny, Lennon, Gardner. Goals: Jenas 45. Att: 42,243 Ref: G Poll (Hertfordshire).

Robson issues warning to Mourinho
Sir Bobby Robson has warned Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho he risks becoming alienated at Stamford Bridge. Former England boss Robson does not want his past Barcelona staff member to become a hate figure. Robson told the Mail on Sunday: "If that happens he will lose friends, even within his own club. "Chelsea have the big picture in mind. To rival Real Madrid and Manchester United across the world they have to win friends as well as trophies." Robson also called on Mourinho to follow Wayne Rooney's example and apologise for his actions towards referees. Former Newcastle boss Robson said: "The incident that summed up the current problem was seeing Jose sarcastically applaud the referee after he sent off Arjen Robben at West Brom. "Wayne Rooney got sent off for a similar mock applause in the Champions League but even though he's 20 he came out and apologised. "If Rooney can do it, so can Jose. He can't blame the authorities and establishment all the time." Robson believes Mourinho has "the potential to go down as one of the most successful and popular managers the game has seen. "But this legacy is being put at risk by a seemingly never-ending stream of controversial incidents. "When he arrived and called himself the special one there was a mischievous glint in his eye and the public loved him. "He was a breath of fresh air. He still is but the glint has gone. "His talent is not so special that he's never going to lose a football match fairly and squarely. "That happens to everyone and when it does, you have to respect your opponent and the match officials."

Bayern admit defeat over Ballack
Bayern Munich will not even try to compete with Chelsea over Michael Ballack, according to the German club's commercial manager Uli Hoeness. The 29-year-old will be out of contract at Bayern this summer and although his club wants him to stay, Chelsea have already expressed their interest. "If he gets an offer from Chelsea, we cannot come up with a better one," Hoeness told German weekly Sport Bild. "There is one club in the world we can't fight with and that's Chelsea." Ballack is rumoured to want a four-year £120,000-a-week contract, but Hoeness said no club would be able to match the financial muscle of Chelsea Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich. "If Mr Abramovich wants a player, he will always find a solution and you won't get a chance," Hoeness said. "I don't have any problems with that. It's his money." Ballack's agent, Michael Becker, has admitted that the German captain could be a Chelsea player before the beginning of this summer's World Cup in his home country. Becker said Chelsea were the only club he was talking to about the midfielder. "The transfer window opens in May and the World Cup is coming up," Becker told Sir Stanley. "I think there is definitely something happening before the World Cup." Becker confirmed that other clubs were interested in Ballack, with Inter Milan and Real Madrid among those linked with the midfielder. But he stressed: "There is interest from other clubs but Chelsea are the only club we are talking to at the moment." Blues boss Jose Mourinho has publicly stated his desire to bring Ballack to Stamford Bridge, saying that he would love to see the German star linking with Frank Lampard in the heart of Chelsea's midfield. He told German newspaper Bild: "I want him. He has said he needs time before making a decision. I respect that. Now it's up to him." Lampard has been linked with a summer move to Barcelona with Ballack's arrival being seen in some quarters as a signal of the England international's possible departure from Chelsea. But Mourinho added: "For me Ballack is one of the best players in the world. "He's very intelligent, tactically very strong and he scores a lot of goals. "For me in Europe there's only Frank Lampard who plays at that level. The two would form a dream pair. "They're the two best players in the world in their category."

Fulham v Chelsea
Fulham defender Wayne Bridge is ruled out of the game with Chelsea under the rules of his loan move from the Blues. Niclas Jensen or Moritz Volz will replace Bridge, while Mark Pembridge and Michael Brown should both be fit despite suffering knocks at Liverpool. Chelsea winger Arjen Robben serves the second game of his four-match ban. Blues boss Jose Mourinho has no injury worries and must only decide whether Robert Huth will start his fourth straight Premiership game in defence. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fulham (from): Warner, Rosenior, Knight, Pearce, N Jensen, Volz, Boa Morte, Malbranque, Pembridge, Brown, John, Radzinski, Helguson, McBride, Christanval, Crossley. Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Ferreira, Johnson, Terry, Huth, Carvalho, Gallas, Del Horno, Makelele, Lampard, Essien, Geremi, Maniche, Gudjohnsen, J Cole, Duff, Wright-Phillips, Drogba, Crespo.

FA & Fulham probe pitch invasion
The Football Association has confirmed it will hold a full investigation into the crowd trouble that marred Fulham's 1-0 victory over Chelsea on Sunday. Fulham also promised a full inquiry after supporters clashed on the pitch and Chelsea fans broke past barricades. "The FA condemns the behaviour of the mindless individuals who invaded the pitch and will have an investigation," said chief executive Brian Barwick. Fulham added: "We will have an official investigation into Sunday's events." Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed earlier told Sir stanley: "Some of them are hooligans but most of them behaved." Around 30 to 50 Chelsea fans charged through the stewards in response to taunts by Fulham supporters and around five or six fights broke out across the pitch. Barwick continued: "The investigation will begin with immediate effect and we will work closely with police, clubs and media. "Once identified, the FA would expect the fans concerned to face police charges and banning orders to be sought. "The scenes on Sunday were unacceptable and we all must continue to work hard in this area. "Thankfully, these kinds of incidents are few and far between these days and that is due to the increased vigilance of our game. "It is also why behaviour of this nature must be treated seriously and swiftly - sending a clear message to those involved that their actions will not be tolerated." Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said he was disappointed if there had been problems with the crowd. He said: "We have unbelievable fans and I feel sorry for them because we didn't get the result. "They always support us in a great way. I hope they are unhappy with the result but they can control themselves. "I also hope Fulham know how to win. I know this is not something that happens a lot for them but I hope they can interpret the big victory in a good way and respect Chelsea people." Fulham boss Chris Coleman said: "I'm told there was a bit of trouble and there were one or two idiots on the pitch. There's no place for idiots at Fulham."

Chelsea 'agree deal for Tejera'
Espanyol youth team midfielder Sergio Tejera says he has agreed a deal to join Chelsea at the start of next season, according to reports in Spain. The Barcelona-born 15-year-old has impressed a number of clubs with his displays down the left-wing. "It's very difficult for a foreign club to become interested in players that are so young," Spanish paper Marca quoted Tejera as saying on Tuesday. "It's a great opportunity for me to develop as a player." Marca reported that Chelsea were prepared to offer up to 250,000 Euros for the youngster, who is viewed as one of the Catalan club's most promising players. Tejera said he hoped to emulate former Barcelona youth player Cesc Fabregas who switched to Arsenal three years ago when he was 15 and has now become a key part of the London club's midfield. "He's an example to follow and it would be great if I could achieve what he has achieved," he said.

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