Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas, left, was involved in a confrontation with Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho

Cesc Fabregas avoided further punishment as
Manchester City and Chelsea were both hit
with charges following Saturday's stormy clash
at the Etihad Stadium.
City pair Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho were
both banned, as expected, for four and three
games respectively after being sent off in the
ugly scenes that marred the end of City's 3-1
loss to the Londoners.
The clubs collectively were also charged with
failing to control their players by the Football
Association on Monday following the mass
brawl, which was sparked by Aguero's horror
tackle on David Luiz.
But Chelsea midfielder Fabregas, who was
booked for getting involved in the fracas,
escaped further retrospective action for the
apparent slap on Fernandinho that precipitated
the Brazilian's angry reaction and subsequent
red card.
That could anger City with defender John
Stones having said after the game he did not
think the punishments meted out at the time
were "fairly balanced".
A statement from the FA read: "Chelsea's Cesc
Fabregas will not face any further action in
relation to an incident involving City's
Fernandinho."
City and Chelsea will both have until 6pm on
Thursday to respond to the general charges.
City manager Pep Guardiola was unwilling to
discuss the matter in detail at a press
conference to preview Tuesday's Champions
League clash with Celtic.
He said: "It is a pity what happened in the last
minute and of course we are going to accept
the ban from the FA and we are going to work
with other players for the next games."
Guardiola was also unwilling to entertain
suggestions his team have a discipline
problem. Including a retrospective punishment
for Aguero earlier in the season, City players
have effectively collected six red cards this
campaign.
"We are the best team with ball possession
and with most red cards," was all he would
say.
Guardiola also denied he ignored his former
Barcelona player Fabregas after the game.
He said: "I greeted Cesc in the changing room.
I don't realise he was on the pitch."
City will also be without Fernandinho against
Celtic as he serves a European suspension for
his dismissal at Borussia Monchengladbach a
fortnight ago.
But with nothing riding on the game for either
side - City are guaranteed last-16 qualification
as runners-up while Celtic will finish last -
rotation was always likely.
Guardiola said: "There will be changes,
definitely. I am so happy to give minutes to
people who deserve to play and who did not
play in the last games."
The sides drew 3-3 at Celtic Park and although
the Scottish champions are heading out of the
competition, they still want to prove they
belong at this level.
Captain Scott Brown said: "We have to learn to
play in these games to be in the Champions
League and now it's for us to focus on next
season and show we're good enough to be
back in it."