Evra handed four-match ban for battle of Stamford Bridge

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra was on Friday banned for four matches and fined 15,000 pounds (17,300 euros) for his part in an ugly post-match brawl at bitter rivals Chelsea last season.

The Frenchman was ruled by the Football Association (FA) to have attacked Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were also fined 25,000 pounds (28,900 euros) because of Bethell's own conduct during the altercation, following the Londoners' controversial 2-1 win.

However, an allegation that Bethell had 'engaged in racist conduct or language' was not proved and Chelsea were cleared of that charge.