Branislav Ivanovic Headbutt Investigation: Latest Details, Reports on FA Search

Nick AkermanFeb 12, 2015

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic allegedly headbutted Everton's James McCarthy during the feisty final scenes of Wednesday's 1-0 win for the Blues. However, the Serbian fullback won't be charged for his actions.

Continue for updates.

FA Won't Charge Ivanovic Over Alleged Headbutt; Chelsea, Everton Charged

Thursday, Feb. 12

The FA released a statement on Thursday, confirming that Ivanovic would not be charged for his conduct vs. Everton on Feb. 11:

"
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic will not face any further action in relation to an incident involving Everton’s James McCarthy in the 86th minute.
In Premier League matches, if an incident has not been seen by the match officials, a three-man panel of former elite referees will be asked by The FA to review it and advise what, if any, action they believe the match referee should have taken had it been witnessed at the time.
For an FA charge to follow, all three panel members must agree it is a sending-off offence.
In this instance, the panel did not believe the conduct was worthy of a dismissal.
"

However, the FA did charge both Everton and Chelsea with failing to control their players:

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Both Chelsea and Everton have been charged by The FA for failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour.
It follows an incident in the 86th minute of Wednesday night’s game at Stamford Bridge.
Both clubs have until 6pm on 17 February 2015 to respond to the charge.

"

FA to Review Footage, Referee's Report Before Making Decision

Thursday, Feb. 12

Liam Corless of the Mirror reported the FA are ready to examine the evidence ahead of potentially acting on allegations Ivanovic headbutted McCarthy.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Tempers flare between James McCarthy of Everton and Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge on February 11, 2015 in London, England (Photo by Cl

Clive Rose/Getty Images

He suggested video footage will be consulted, while the organisation is also "currently waiting on the match report from referee Jon Moss," who failed to brandish a punishment during the tie.

Ivanovic could have received a three-game ban if he'd been charged. This would have ruled him out of Chelsea's Premier League ties with Burnley and Leicester, not to mention the Capital One Cup final against Tottenham.