Derby County striker Fabrizio Ravanelli and Chelsea captain Marcel Desailly were involved in a tunnel bust-up after yesterday's 1-1 draw at Pride Park. The pair clashed on the pitch during the Premiership game when Ravanelli was booked after complaining to the referee that Desailly had pushed his hands into the Italian's face during an off-the-ball incident. However, two minutes later Desailly did see yellow after a particularly heavy challenge on Ravanelli.
The Italian, still upset with what had happened, waited for Desailly at the top of the tunnel after the final whistle. However, Desailly went to applaud Chelsea's travelling support and avoided him. But Ravanelli later stood outside the visitors' dressing room to wait for Desailly to emerge. When he did, both players were then surrounded by stewards and security officials and Desailly had to be restrained as he turned back and began shouting loudly and tried to confront Ravanelli. He began gesturing angrily and forcibly towards the former Juventus and Middlesbrough star before being escorted to the team coach.
It is not yet known if further action will be taken against either player as it all depends on whether or not the incident makes it into referee Steve Bennett's report. Chelsea could also face a hefty fine after coach Claudio Ranieri failed to attend the post-match press conference and his entire squad declined to talk to the media.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
