Branislav Ivanovic will hardly be remembered for participating in Willian's late goal to win the game against Everton at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night. Instead, the Serbian defender took center stage moments before in a brawl between both teams.
What had been an intense game, turned into an intense fight with less than ten minutes to go. Ivanovic took the intensity to another level. First he grabbed James McCarthy around the throat, then he attempted to head-butt the Everton midfielder and there is speculation about a possible bite by Chelsea’s defender.
Back in 2013, at Anfield, former Liverpool striker Luis Suárez was the one who bit the Serbian. Suárez would receive a 10-game ban even after apologizing.
Suárez was suspended 10 games after biting the Serbian defender.jpg)
In this case, some witnesses believe that Ivanovic’s actions deserved a red card. Since the referee did not see all the action unfold, he did not think it was a red card. Now, he should
Everton’s manager, Roberto Martinez, was not pleased with seeing Ivanovic on the field after the brawl. He obviously was not happy when the defender participated on the play that ended in Chelsea’s goal.
“If you look at the images Ivanovic’s behavior is wrong,” said Martinez. “If you want to be on top of the laws that’s a red card.”
The F.A. will analyze the video and determine if there is any punishment towards Ivanovic
Chelsea’s coach, Jose Mourinho, avoided questions about the incident in the post-game press conference. The Special One actually recognized a good work by the officials.
“Did Branislav Ivanovic go in with his head? Don't make me laugh. Don't make me laugh," Mourinho told BT Sport.
If the 30-year-old player is found guilty of the brawl, he could face a three-match ban. That would keep him out of the Capital One Cup final.
