Chelsea coach charged over Mourinho melee

LONDON - Chelsea assistant coach Marco Ianni has been charged with improper conduct over his touchline flare-up with Jose Mourinho that also prompted the Football Association to remind the Manchester United manager of his responsibilities.

Tensions escalated in front of the Stamford Bridge tunnel after Ross Barkley's stoppage-time equalizer saw Chelsea secure a 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Former Chelsea manager Mourinho was angered by the way Ianni, an assistant to current Blues boss Maurizio Sarri, celebrated in front of the United bench.

Portuguese coach Mourinho leapt from his seat and had to be restrained by security staff as a melee ensued.

Both Ianni and Sarri have since apologized to Mourinho, with the United manager saying he now considers the matter closed.

But the FA has decided to take action.

"Chelsea coach Marco Ianni has been charged following the game against Manchester United on Saturday," said an FA statement.

"It is alleged that his behavior in the 96th minute constituted improper conduct.

"In relation to this incident, Jose Mourinho has been formally reminded of his responsibilities whilst both clubs have received similar official reminders in terms of the behavior expected of their staff and players at all times whilst in the technical area."

Mourinho, speaking ahead of United's Champions League match against Juventus on Tuesday, played down the fracas by saying he did not want it to damage Italian coach Ianni's career.

"I want to thank Sarri for his honesty," Mourinho said. "I want to thank Chelsea for its honesty too.

"But I'm not happy that it's going too far with the young boy (Ianni).

"He apologized to me, I accept his apologies. I think he deserves a second chance.

"I don't think he deserves to be sacked, I don't think he deserves anything more than the fact that his club was strong with him.

"Everybody makes mistakes, I made a lot of mistakes, so I hope they let the kid go on."

Mourinho will not face FA action relating to the incident but is preparing to answer a separate charge of using abusive, insulting or improper language following United's 3-2 win over Newcastle, relating to remarks he allegedly made in Portuguese.

He has until Wednesday to respond and Mourinho could face a touchline ban if the charge is upheld.

Ronaldo 'blessed'

A smiling Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday declared he is an "example" on and off the field, amid allegations of rape made against the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in the United States.

"I know I am an example, 100 percent, on the pitch and off the pitch," the Juventus star told a news conference ahead of his Champions League return to Manchester United, where he spent six years as a player.

Kathryn Mayorga, a 34-year-old former American model, has accused Ronaldo of raping her on June 13, 2009 just before he joined Real Madrid from United.

Ronaldo strenuously denied the allegations in a statement two weeks ago and has been backed by his new club.

"I am always smiling, I am happy man, I'm blessed that I play in a fantastic club, I have a fantastic family, I have four kids, I am healthy," added Ronaldo.

"I have everything. So the rest, it doesn't interfere on me. I'm very, very well."

Associated Press