Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho charged by FA over 'campaign against Blues' claims

CHELSEA performed a U-turn last night after Jose Mourinho was charged for claiming there is a vendetta against Chelsea.

The Blues scrapped plans for boss Mourinho to hold his weekly press conference just 30 minutes after details of the FA rap filtered through last night.

The Special One was due to speak this lunchtime ahead of tomorrow's visit of Newcastle.

But his assistant coach Steve Holland will now step in to preview the Stamford Bridge clash and prevent Mourinho potentially talking himself into more trouble.

Mourinho has until 6pm next Tuesday to respond to the charge.

He is in the dock after claiming there is a "clear campaign'' by "people, pundits, commentators and coaches from other teams" against Chelsea.

RAP: Mourinho has until 6pm next Tuesday to respond to the charge

Mourinho hit out after Cesc Fabregas was booked for diving and denied a penalty, when replays show he was fouled, in Chelsea's 1-1 draw at Southampton on December 28.

Mourinho labelled referee Anthony Taylor's decision 'a scandal.'

His patience snapped after seeing his Chelsea players involved in a number of diving rows last month.

Diego Costa and Willian were booked for simulation against Hull on December 13.

Gary Cahill also took a theatrical tumble - described as being "like something out of Swan Lake" by Tigers boss Steve Bruce - in the same game but avoided what would have been a second booking.

Branislav Ivanovic was then in the spotlight on Boxing Day after going down in the box after a challenge from Andy Carroll before the Fabregas incident a few days later pushed Mourinho over the edge.

Although Mourinho does not view officials as being part of any campaign against his side he fears they may have been influenced by one.

An FA statement said: "It is alleged his remarks constitute improper conduct in that they allege and/or imply bias on the part of a referee or referees and/or bring the game into disrepute."

The FA also reviewed Mourinho's comments last month before Chelsea's trip to Stoke calling for a "good, experienced referee" for the game.

The Blues boss escaped a second charge but was issued with a formal warning as pre-match comments, positive or negative, about officials are prohibited.