Chelsea are upbeat on Evra 'racism' row

Chelsea were last night adamant they will be exonerated of the Manchester United racism claims after the "Lawnmowergate" ruck between their groundstaff and Old Trafford players.

Both clubs met yesterday's 5pm deadline to file their versions of what happened after the Blues' 2-1 win on April 26, when Patrice Evra became embroiled in a scuffle with groundsman Sam Bethell.

United players, including Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Carlos Tevez and Park Ji-Sung, were annoyed at being asked to move from a section of the pitch while conducting their post-match warm-down.

Chelsea remain furious at allegations from United that a racist remark, allegedly "you're just a f***ing immigrant", was made to Evra.

But while he is understood to have admitted he did not hear it, United included in their submission to the FA the claim the words were heard by a senior player and a member of the coaching staff.

Chelsea, insistent that the groundsman called Evra an "idiot", not an "immigrant" and vehemently denying the racial allegations, believe the row has left them tainted.

The Stamford Bridge club are leaving all their options open, awaiting the next move by the FA, which is likely to take weeks rather than days.