The Indie:
Chelsea face losing two key players to suspension, jeopardising their title challenge, in the wake of the Carling Cup final brawl. Detailed analysis of the incident at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday suggests both Didier Drogba, the country's leading goalscorer, and Michael Essien, their versatile midfielder, struck opponents as Arsenal and Chelsea players grappled.
Neither incident was seen by the referee Howard Webb, but both should be spotted by the Football Association's football regulation unit as it studies tapes of the fracas. Broadcast material indicates that Essien cuffed Denilson on the face, and Drogba slapped the back of Cesc Fabregas' head. The FA also has access to film that was not broadcast on the day. If the FA is prepared to follow the letter of the law, and risk the wrath of Chelsea and their lawyers, Drogba and Essien should be suspended for three games, the penalty for "violent conduct".
The unit's first task is to consider appeals against the dismissals of Emmanuel Adebayor and John Obi Mikel, who were sent off along with Kolo Touré as the final exploded in injury-time. Arsenal yesterday appealed against Adebayor's red card on the grounds of mistaken identity. But while video evidence confirms it was Emmanuel Eboué, his team-mate, who struck Wayne Bridge, it does not fully exonerate Adebayor. Adebayor is seen aggressively wading into the fracas, though it is not certain, on the evidence available to The Independent, that he struck anyone.
Adebayor said: "I did not do anything. I did not hit anybody. I just came in to break it up. If people see fighting it is not good for the image of football."
He was supported by Bridge, who said: "The referee sent the wrong man off. I can understand his [Adebayor's] frustration at getting sent off."
Even if his appeal is upheld, Adebayor could receive a ban for refusing to leave the field immediately when dismissed. At present he faces a three-match ban.
Chelsea's appeal, also made yesterday, on behalf of Mikel is in the belief his punishment was excessive. If the appeal fails, Mikel would receive a four-match ban as it was his second dismissal for violent conduct this season. The FA will rule on the appeals today, and determine possible charges for anyone else.
Eboué is sure to be charged. Both clubs can expect to be charged with failing to control their players.
The managers, Arsène Wenger and Jose Mourinho, could also face censure for coming on to the pitch. They were criticised yesterday by Keith Hackett, the general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Board, which administers referees.