Chelsea boss Conte laughs off points deduction claims for his side’s poor disciplinary record, says current team much cleaner compared to past squads
Chelsea and Manchester City players clash during an EPL match at Etihad Stadium in Manchester recently. pic/Getty Images
London: Antonio Conte insists Chelsea are cleaning up their disciplinary act, amid threats of a Premier League points deduction.
Diego Costa’s fifth goal in six games guided the Blues to a ninth-straight Premier League win on Sunday, a hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Brom at Stamford Bridge.
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According to reports Chelsea could become the first Premier League club to be docked points due to indiscipline since Arsenal and Manchester United in 1990.
Chelsea are in the dock for their part in the mass brawl towards the end of their 3-1 win at Manchester City on December 3 — but Blues boss Conte has entirely rejected the notion of a points deduction.
“Are you joking?” asked Conte when quizzed on the prospect of Chelsea being docked Premier League points.
Sergio Aguero’s horror tackle on David Luiz sparked ugly scenes at the Etihad, with the Argentina striker and Fernandinho bothsent off. Both Manchester City and Chelsea were charged with failing to control their players.
It was the Blues’ fifth such charge in 19 months. Chelsea were most recently fined for failing to control their players following the ill-tempered London derby with Tottenham at the end of last term.
Reports indicated the Blues were then issued a warning in writing that any further breaches of discipline could lead to the club losing league points. “For me, if you are involved in a situation and it’s not your fault, then you must pay? Why? I don't understand this,” said Conte.
“We are trying to improve in all aspects, also (in) this (area). For this reason, I reply: you must be joking. You must be honest and understand which team is at fault. We had a bad record in the past, but now we are different.”
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