CHELSEA and Manchester United were at war last night over allegations that racism sparked the Battle of the Bridge.


And SunSport can reveal that Owen Hargreaves is one of EIGHT United players who now face FA disciplinary charges after he hurled a tirade of abuse in the tunnel at fourth official Mike Riley.


Chelsea reacted furiously yesterday when it was suggested Patrice Evra had been racially abused during the mass brawl that broke out as United warmed down on the pitch after Saturdays 2-1 defeat.


Chief executive Peter Kenyon instantly refuted the claim and even contacted senior United officials to see if they had evidence.


Chelsea also interviewed every member of their staff but found no proof of racist behaviour.


United agreed the claims were unfounded even Evra distanced himself from the allegation but the club is now facing severe punishment for the shameful events that blackened Saturdays 2-1 defeat.

Six United players were involved in a 24-man post-match brawl with Chelsea stewards and ground staff.

 

And Rio Ferdinand and Hargreaves were also guilty of abusing Chelsea staff and match officials in the tunnel in the immediate aftermath of the match.

 

CCTV footage of those incidents will be handed over to the FA today who confirmed that they have launched an inquiry into events at Stamford Bridge.

 

FA spokesman Andrin Cooper said: This will have nothing to do with the referees report. He would have been in his dressing room a long way from the incident.

 

But we will obviously be asking Chelsea to let us see their CCTV footage of the incident.

 

On Monday, Alex Ferguson confirmed United will file a report to the FA on the incident.

 

He said: We are very happy with that, we are delighted with that. We hope the FA investigate it.

 

United players involved in the fracas face fines and possible bans for bringing the game into disrepute.

 

The club could also be fined for failing to control its players.

 

With the title race now finely balanced, though, the row between the two leading clubs has spilled over into an ugly row.

 

Eye-witness reports of the incident claim that Evra completely lost it during the confrontation with groundsmen at the stadium.

 

The whole matter is extremely embarra**ing for the reigning champions as they chase a second consecutive title and the Champions League.