Chelsea news: Branislav Ivanovic hit by lighter during QPR match

FA likely to investigate after Chelsea defender is struck by an object thrown from the crowd during Chelsea's win over QPR

Queens Park Rangers are facing the prospect of Football Association disciplinary action after Branislav Ivanovic appeared to be struck with a cigarette lighter during the

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Chelsea had scored with their only shot on target in the 88th minute but a series of objects were hurled towards the players and Ivanovic was left clutching the back of his head. A photograph subsequently showed a yellow cigarette lighter travelling towards Ivanovic. There were also plastic bottles and rolled up programmes photographed on the side of the pitch.


Ivanovic was struck when celebrating Fabregas's goal

The FA and QPR are now expected to investigate, with QPR manager Chris Ramsey suggesting last night that any fan caught throwing missiles should be banned. “We don't want any objects thrown on the pitch,” said Ramsey.

“Hostilities between fans can go too far. It’s not somebody we would encourage to come back into the club if that the case.” Mourinho admitted that his team had been “fortunate” to win against their neighbours and appeared unconcerned by the incident.


Ivanovic handed the lighter to referee

“The game was correct on the pitch, correct in the stands, hopefully correct outside,” he said. “It’s not easy, because emotionally a big game for them and us. The referee also helped, a very stable man who solves, not creates, problems in the game. If somebody threw a pound, put the pound in your pocket and go. If it's a chocolate, eat it. No problem.”

With Chelsea now seven points clear of Arsenal with a game in hand, Mourinho sensed that Cesc Fabregas’ winner might be a decisive moment in the Premier League title race.

“Every time I was champion, I remember a couple of matches my team won in the last minute,” he said. “A little light that shines for the team that are going to be champions. What I know is it's not normal for a team to be top of the league since day one. That's the team that deserves all the credit. Other teams have good runs. We had a good run since day one. I think we deserve it.”

Mourinho admitted, however, that Chelsea had struggled yesterday. “It's difficult to play here,” he said. “The pitch is short, not wide, slow – 1.30pm is not maybe the best time also to develop a game with intensity. Very defensive game from their point of view. So it was difficult to create. One point would be fair. Three points are fantastic for us. Obviously I feel sorry for QPR because they worked hard.”


The atmosphere was frequently intimidating at Loftus Road

Ramsey was adamant that Rob Green, his goalkeeper, should be absolved of any blame after his weak clearance indirectly led to Chelsea’s winner. “It wasn't one of his best kicks, but we had a long time to defend that properly,” he said. “You know when a ball goes out wide, and there are eight players behind the ball, you can't blame him. We could have defended that miles better. All that running everyone did went to waste.

"Rob is going to be down because he's a top player. We all make mistakes. Rob has been fantastic for this club. If he had not been in the form he has been, we wouldn't be anywhere near. I'm hoping he doesn't internalise it as his fault.


Chelsea scored soon after Rob Green made a poor clearance

“I’m sick because I think we could have given the fans a big boost by getting a point. They'd have been delighted to have stolen the points. One proper chance and they score, which is probably why they are going to win the league.”

Mourinho also said that Loic Remy had missed the game only with what he called a “small” calf injury and should again be available against Manchester United on Saturday.