Referee Mike Dean reported the club after at least four players surrounded him after he sent off Mikel John Obi.

Chelsea skipper John Terry tried to grab Dean's red card but the England defender has not been charged individually by the FA.

The club's assistant coach Steve Clarke has been charged, however, after clashing with match officials in the tunnel at Old Trafford following the 2-0 defeat.

The FA said in a statement: "Charges have today been issued against Chelsea FC and the club's assistant coach Steve Clarke.

"Chelsea have been charged with failing to control their players during their match against Manchester United on September 23. This charge relates to the conduct of Chelsea players towards referee Mike Dean following the sending-off of Mikel John Obi.

"Steve Clarke has been charged with using abusive and/or insulting words towards the match officials after the end of the match at Old Trafford.

"Chelsea and Clarke have until October 12 to respond to the charges."

On Tuesday, Mikel lost an appeal against his sending off, which was a straight red card after a challenge on United full-back Patrice Evra. He missed last night's victory at Hull and will be suspended for two more games.

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Although it is understood the offence is viewed as being at the low end of the scale in terms of seriousness, it is the fourth time in 18 months that Chelsea have faced the same charge.

In April 2006, Chelsea were fined £10,000 for the same charge after players surrounded referee Mark Halsey against West Brom.

A month later they were given a further £10,000 fine and warned as to their future conduct by an FA disciplinary commission after being found guilty of failing to control their players during a 1-0 Premiership defeat at Fulham in March. They had denied the charge.

Last season, Chelsea picked up a £100,000 fine and a reprimand for their part in a brawl with Arsenal players during the Carling Cup final - the Gunners were fined the same amount.