A knee-high challenge from Sergio Aguero on David Luiz that would eventually bring a red card sparked both sides into angry exchanges just before full-time of Chelsea's 3-1 win over Manchester City.
Classy Chelsea see off Man City
The striker's frustration boiled over in the dying minutes of the clash at the Etihad when he lunged at the Brazilian which led Nathaniel Chalobah to push the Argentina over as a melee ensued.
Players from both sides indulged in an almighty scuffle with Fernandinho also seeing red for appearing to push Cesc Fabregas over an advertising hoarding as the game ended in ugly scenes.
Manchester City had earlier taken the lead through a Gary Cahill own goal and came agonisingly close to doubling their tally when Kevin De Bruyne managed to miss the target from a matter of yards.
That miss was to prove costly as Diego Costa equalised within minutes for the Blues who went on to win the game through goals from Willian and Eden Hazard.
The win moves Chelsea four points clear of Manchester City and makes it eight wins in a row for Antonio Conte's side and is also only the third time in Premier League history a side has finished with nine men.