LONDON (AFP) - Chelsea were fined 40,000 pounds (79,000 dollars) by the Football Association on Thursday after admitting a charge of failing to ensure their players conducted themselves correctly during a stormy 2-0 win over Derby in November.

Chelsea were charged after a posse of their players, led by captain John Terry, angrily confronted referee Andre Marriner following the red card he gave to Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien for elbowing Kenny Miller in injury-time.

The incident caused a number of observers to question whether Terry's conduct was appropriate for a captain of England's national side and helped to fuel speculation about whether he will continue in the role under new head coach Fabio Capello.