Mourinho to escape FA charge

The Chelsea manager later denied he was baiting the Liverpool supporters, saying it was a gesture intended for the media, who are placed on the other side of the stadium.

The latest incident though, is just one of a series of controversies in which Chelsea have been involved in recent weeks.

They face no fewer than seven disciplinary probes, including FA inquiries into failing to control their players at Blackburn, their fans against West Ham and an alleged accusation that Manchester United players cheated. In addition the Premier League have instigated an investigation into an alleged tapping-up of Arsenal's Ashley Cole while UEFA are looking into the controversy over last week's Champions League clash in Barcelona. Mourinho stoked further controversy yesterday when he said the result was "adulterated" and reinforced his allegation that referee Anders Frisk had colluded with Barca coach Frank Rijkaard during half time of the 2-1 defeat.

UEFA are also set to fine Chelsea for Mourinho's nonattendance at a post-match press conference in Barcelona and the club's lateness in leaving their dressing-room for the second half of their Champions League clash.

Mourinho said of yesterday's events: "For me, it's unusual to be sent off by a policeman," as Chelsea savoured the first of what they hope will be three trophies. "He said the fourth official said that I must go. If I did something I should not have done in English football then I apologise."

Mourinho came back out onto the pitch at the end of the match to celebrate with his ecstatic players but this time said: "I was waving to my wife."

Chelsea midfield star Frank Lampard said Mourinho's confrontational approach was a major part of his success.

"He likes a fight," he said. "We had a meeting after the Barcelona match and he was very blunt. He tells you to your face and I respect that."