Chelsea boss Antonio Conte blasts Manchester United for aggressive tactics during fiery FA Cup clash 

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Antonio Conte accused Manchester United of trying to kick Chelsea off the park on Monday night as his team booked a FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham.

N'Golo Kante's second half strike was enough to secure victory against Manchester United, who saw Ander Herrera sent off, in a heated encounter against Jose Mourinho's side.

But Conte was left infuriated by what he perceived as United's overly-aggressive tactics and let rip after the final whistle.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte criticised Manchester United's aggressive tactics on Monday

Eden Hazard was routinely targeted during Chelsea's 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge

'My point of view is this: they've got to play football, and my players want to play football,' said Conte. 

'For 20 or 25 minutes, it was impossible for Eden Hazard to play football. I see only that he got a lot of kicks. 

'But I don't think I'm crazy and I see only him in this situation. Hazard, for 25 minutes, it was impossible for him to play football. Only kicking.

'He started the game receiving kicks, and he finished receiving kicks. No one person can say this did not happen.

'Was that United's tactic? I don't know. But this tactic, to play by going to kick the opponent, does not exist. It's not football for me.

'I don't think this can be a tactic. This is the truth. Everyone saw this. I think sometimes, when you play against players with great talent, you try and intimidate these players. 

Ander Herrera was sent off for two bookable offences on Hazard during the first-half

Conte and Jose Mourinho almost came to blows on the touchline at one point

'I think the referee must protect this type of player.' 

Conte's point was underlined on Monday night as footage emerged of Marcos Rojo stamping on Hazard in the second half.

The fiery nature of the clash threatened to spill over in the first half when Conte and Mourinho had to be separated by fourth official Michael Jones.

The managerial duo didn't shake hands after the final whistle but did speak to each other in the tunnel after the game.

And Conte played down the altercation, by saying: 'I think that, for the fourth official tonight it was hard work.

Marcos Rojo and Diego Costa were involved in a number of confrontations at Stamford Bridge

'I think he was very good to manage this situation. But, for sure, it's (the confrontation) normal when you play these types of games and there is a good target to reach, and everyone tried to do their best for their own team. 

'I repeat: for me, the most important thing is what happens on the pitch, the football that one team or the other is trying to play. What happens on the outside, for me, is only a circus.

'I think I controlled the emotions very well today. I didn't celebrate our goal. I controlled the emotions very well. 

'It's normal for me, as a coach, to try and do our best to push our team. The coaches are not important.'

Conte played down his spat with Mourinho, although the pair failed to shake hands at full-time

On the draw against Spurs, Conte added: 'Another strong game against a strong team. 

'We start with one win for us and one for them. We are 1-1. It will be an exciting game for the people and our fans. An interesting draw for us.

'In this phase, Tottenham or Arsenal or City... the level is very high.' 

Meanwhile, former Chelsea star Frank Lampard lavished praise on Kante, who was magnificent during the victory at Stamford Bridge.

'I would go so far as to say N'Golo Kante is the best central midfield player in the world right now,' said Lampard.

N'Golo Kante (right) scored the only goal to set up a semi-final clash with Tottenham