The FA have charged Chelsea for "surrounding a match official" during the 2-0 Premier League defeat to Ipswich Town. Goals from Liam Delap and former player Omari Hutchinson at Portman Road condemned the Blues to a second consecutive league defeat.

The first of those arrived in controversial circumstances when Delap was adjudged to have been fouled by Filip Jorgensen which saw referee John Brooks award a penalty. Angered by the decision, a number of Chelsea players got across their displeasure and that has now resulted in the club being charged.

A statement from an FA spokesperson read: "Chelsea have been charged for surrounding a match official during the Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town on Monday 30 December 2024.

READ MORE: Every word Enzo Maresca said on huge Fofana injury blow, Chelsea transfers, Anselmino return

READ MORE: Chelsea make huge £40m transfer decision as Enzo Maresca stance perfectly clear

"It is alleged that during the 10th minute of the fixture, Chelsea failed to ensure that its players did not behave in an improper manner. The club has until January 7 2025 to provide a response." Further controversies followed in the clash with Joao Felix seeing an equaliser disallowed for a tight offside.

With Chelsea failing to find a leveller, the Tractor Boys grabbed a second as great work from Delap allowed him to set up Hutchinson to score against his old club. Up next for Chelsea, in search of a first win in four, is a difficult trip to Selhurst Park where they will face an in-form Crystal Palace.

Ahead of the game, Maresca was on hand to offer some crucial injury updates. "Reece is back from last game. Romeo [Lavia] is very close, he has started to work with us. For the rest, not any updates. Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] is still out," he admitted in a press conference.

"Unfortunately Wes [Fofana] will be out for a very long time and Benoit [Badiashile] will be out for at least until February."