FA set to act against Chelsea and Arsenal brawlers

LONDON, Feb 26 (Reuters) Chelsea and Arsenal were waiting to hear from the Football Association today after the shameful brawl that blighted the League Cup final.

Arsenal became the first team in the history of English soccer to have two players sent off in a major final, with red cards for captain Kolo Toure and substitute Emmanuel Adebayor while Chelsea's John Obi Mikel was also sent off in yesterday's stoppage time fracas.

Only three players had ever been sent off in 46 finals since the competition began in 1960-61 and that number was doubled in two minutes of madness which overshadowed the first all-London final.

Since Arsene Wenger became manager in September 1996, Arsenal have had 68 players sent off, five this season.

Referee Howard Webb also handed out seven yellow cards in a pulsating, dramatic match, with the front pages of several of Monday's newspapers showing a shocking close-up photograph of Chelsea skipper John Terry lying unconscious after an accidental kick in the head from Abou Diaby.

Terry received oxygen on the pitch before he was treated for his injuries. He made a complete recovery and was able to join his victorious team on their flight back to London later.

Chelsea were delighted to lift the season's first major trophy and in the end their greater experience told.

Arsenal's youngsters showed they have potential but plenty still to learn.

Although they took a 13th-minute lead with 17-year-old Theo Walcott's first Arsenal goal, Chelsea struck back to win the cup for the second time in three seasons with two goals from Didier Drogba after 20 and 84 minutes, taking his season's total to 28.

The trickery of Dutch substitute Arjen Robben caused problems for Arsenal and his pinpoint cross six minutes from time found Drogba, who again got the better of Philippe Senderos with a header into the corner.

Chelsea were rewarded for staying in the game, even when Arsenal's flowing football in the first hour had threatened to overwhelm them.

Drogba put the afternoon in a nutshell, telling reporters: ''It was a difficult game against a fantastic team, they played very well. But I think we showed experience''.

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