MANCHESTER United will assess the Football Association’s verdict on the ‘Battle of Stamford Bridge’ but it seems certain they will appeal Patrice Evra’s four-match ban.

When a charge of using racist abuse was originally levelled at Chelsea’s groundsman, Sam Bethell, amid the post-match furore at Stamford Bridge on April 26, it was felt Evra would use it as justification for his over-the-top reaction.

Instead, with the FA finding there were no grounds to uphold the charge, which had been transferred to Chelsea anyway after it was decided the governing body had no jurisdiction over an employee, Evra has been left with no defence for his actions and been punished accordingly.

As he is already due to miss the December 13 visit to Tottenham after picking up his fifth booking of the season in last week’s Manchester derby, Evra will miss almost a month of domestic action before he can return against, of all clubs, Chelsea at Old Trafford on January 11.

‘‘Manchester United is disappointed with the decision and in particular considers the sanctions against Patrice Evra excessive,’’ said a club statement.

‘‘We will consider all options once there has been an opportunity to digest the full reasons for the decision.’’ The France full-back and assistant manager Mike Phelan were among those called to give evidence at the twoday hearing. But it has done Evra little good, as he has also been fined £15,000.