Maurizio Sarri Charged with Misconduct by the FA Following Burnley Outburst

The Football Association has charged Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri with misconduct after he was sent to the stands during Monday's 2-2 draw at home to Burnley.

Sarri left his technical area to approach referee Kevin Friend after a decision went against his side during the closing minutes at Stamford Bridge, and he has been charged, per the Evening Standard:

Chelsea lodged a complaint with the officials after the draw and said Sarri was taunted by the Burnley bench amid allegations he was called a "s--t Italian," per MailOnline's Matt Barlow.

Sarri has until 6 p.m. BST on Friday to appeal the FA's decision.

Pedro and Mateo Kovacic were each shown yellow cards in injury time. It looked as though the latter caution riled Sarri in particular and caused him to breach Burnley's technical area while talking to fourth official Roger East.

Gianfranco Zola took over Chelsea's media duties following the match and attempted to play peacemaker with Burnley manager Sean Dyche during the game, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:

The Blues are fourth in the Premier League for now, but they're only one point ahead of Arsenal and have played one game more than their London rivals.

A touchline ban could seriously disrupt Chelsea's end-of-season run-in considering they have only three Premier League fixtures remaining. They travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Frustrations were evident at Stamford Bridge on Monday, and both dugouts were involved when a bust-up between the two unfolded at the full-time whistle, via Soccer AM:

Chelsea's game was also marred by an injury to Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is set to undergo surgery on a ruptured Achilles after seeing his season come to a premature end, per BBC Sport.

Sarri has been a divisive figure in west London this season, but the mood towards the manager appeared to have improved of late, which is hardly surprising after Chelsea lost only two of their last 15 games (in 90 minutes).

The timing of his FA charge is poor with only weeks in the season remaining, though Sunday opponents and top-four rivals United will be happy to see the drama unfolding at Stamford Bridge.