Chelsea makes Hazard's case

0 Comments

31 January 2013-PA Sport

Chelsea has written to the Football Association arguing that Eden Hazard should not be banned for more than three matches for kicking a ball boy during its Capital One Cup semi-final, second leg at Swansea City.

Benitez baffled by late collapse

Rooney double sinks Southampton

Hazard was sent off for kicking 17-year-old Charlie Morgan as he attempted to retrieve the ball during the Blues' 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium.

The FA is considering extending Hazard's ban beyond the usual punishment of three games after it charged him with violent conduct on 25 January.

It is understood that the Blues have submitted paperwork with the FA, arguing that a longer ban would be unjust.

The basis of their argument is that Hazard moved quickly to apologise for the fracas. The club is also thought to have pointed out that Swindon Town's Matt Ritchie was only booked for grappling with Oxford United ball boy Aidan Hawtin in a similar incident last year.