Villa and Blues fined £5,000 each by FA for failing to control players during explosive Second City derby
Villa and Blues have been fined £5,000 each by the FA for failing to control their players during this month’s explosive Second City derby.
The rivals received the standard punishment after accepting the charge, which related to events following a rash challenge by Blues midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld on Villa skipper Jack Grealish in the fifth minute at St Andrew’s.
Kieftenbeld was booked by referee Tim Robinson, who found himself briefly surrounded by players from both clubs.
Villa boss Dean Smith and Blues counterpart Garry Monk both viewed the FA’s decision to bring charges as harsh.
The game, which Villa won 1-0, was overshadowed by an attack on Grealish by Blues supporters Paul Mitchell in the 10th minute.
Mitchell, aged 27, was subsequently jailed for 14 weeks after admitting a charge of assault and encroaching on the field of play.
Blues have since been charged by the FA for failing to ensure fans conducted themselves in an orderly fashion; refrained from violence and encroaching onto the pitch.
They have until this Friday, March 22 to respond to the charge. If found guilty, the club’s punishment will be decided by an independent regulatory commission.
