Antonio Conte will not face a touchline for being sent to the stands during Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Swansea on Wednesday night at The Stamford Bridge.
According to reports, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is set to be fined, but the Italian will not be given a touchline ban, for being sent to the stands against Swansea City.
The Football Association charged the former Juventus boss on Thursday with misconduct after he argued with fourth official Lee Mason over a goal-kick to Swansea City at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s Gameweek 13 Premier League fixtures against the Swans.
He was sent off from the touchline by referee Neil Swarbrick for his protestations with the fourth official, and Conte watched the second of his side Premier League game from the stands – which, however, ended in his side beating Paul Clement’s side 1 nil, thanks to a 55’ goal from Antonio Rüdiger.
Despite Conte being charged with misconduct by the Football Association, it’s understandable that the Italian gaffer is subject to a standard charge – meaning he will only be handed an £8,000 fine should he accept the charge.
However, should Conte contest against the charge and be found guilty, he could be hit with an increased fine.
Standard charges are said to be handed out to first-time offenders in the Premier League, and the Chelsea coach will therefore not be given a touchline ban because his dismissal was his first since joining Chelsea last year.
Though, should he get sent off again within the next 12 months, he could face the risk of being charged and handed a touchline ban.
After the clash over the Swans, he revealed he had apologized to both Mason and Swarbrick for losing control at Stamford Bridge.
Conte said as quoted by the Telegraph: “It’s right to apologise for what happened during the game. During the game, in the first half, I saw that Swansea were wasting time.
“I said this a few times to the fourth official. At the same time I didn’t see something change in the first half. I was frustrated for this situation.
“I tried to tell again, but then the referee took this decision. I repeat: I apologise for this. I was frustrated. For sure I made a mistake. During the game I suffer. With my players I suffer. It’s a pity.”