The FA Premier League has decided to fine Chelsea just £5,000 over the state of the Stamford Bridge pitch for their January 11th match with Charlton Athletic.

The FA Premier League ruled Chelsea were in breach of Premier League rules governing conduct between clubs, but decided the sandy, beach-like surface 'did not constitute an artificial surface within the meaning of the Premier League rules'.

And instead of agreeing with Charlton's request to have the game replayed, the governing body has allowed the result to stand but fined Chelsea.

Charlton chief executive Peter Varney said: "FA Premier League rules require all matches to be played on natural grass. The Chelsea v Charlton fixture on January 11 was played on a predominantly sand surface, and in addition to this, the treatment of our club, both prior to and on the day of the match, was unacceptable.

"Because of this, we are extremely surprised by the decision taken by the FA Premier League board, particularly as the fine levied is the same as that given to clubs whose matches kick off a few minutes late."

The FA Premier League also ruled that Charlton were within their rights to question the nature of the playing surface and the lack of information provided by Chelsea in the week leading up to the game. Chelsea have been fined £5,000, plus the Premier League's costs in the inquiry.

Varney added: "In the light of today's decision we would ask that the FA Premier League publish in full the report of the inquiry team set up to consider this matter."

"It has been suggested in some quarters that we should have refused to play the fixture once we saw the pitch, but that would almost certainly have resulted in our club having points deducted.

"We have not doubt that the matter would have been dealt with differently, both on the day and subsequently, had the opposition been one of the sides challenging for the title."