Chelsea charged by UEFA over Malmo crowd trouble

Chelsea and Malmo have been charged by UEFA following supporter unrest during their Europa League match in Sweden on Thursday.

Chelsea have been charged over pitch invasions by their supporters and Malmo for setting off fireworks.

Both clubs have been charged with the throwing of objects by their fans during the last-32 tie, which Chelsea won 2-1.

Chelsea's Eden Hazard was hugged by a pitch-invading fan at the final whistle and the culprit's grip was released only when the Belgium forward handed over his shirt.

The fan was one of at least four from the home stands who encroached on to the playing surface. He was escorted off by stewards, holding the shirt. Malmo were not charged in relation to supporters running on to the pitch, though.

Press Association Sport understands UEFA's reports said the pitch-invaders were Chelsea fans.

Hazard appeared unnerved at the time, but later brushed off the moment, saying: "It's not an incident. He just asked for my shirt."

Chelsea are already facing an investigation into alleged anti-Semitic chanting during their match against MOL Vidi in Hungary two months ago.

UEFA's control, ethics and disciplinary body will consider the charges on March 28, one month after ruling on the previously existing allegations.

However, Press Association Sport understands that the new charge will be dealt with in isolation.

Meanwhile, Valencia's Geoffrey Kondogbia has been charged with receiving a yellow card on purpose during his side's Europa League game at Celtic.