Newcastle and Sunderland fined for derby bust-up

LONDON: Newcastle and Sunderland have been fined for failing to control their players during their stormy northeast derby clash at St James’ Park earlier this month, the Football Association (FA) said yesterday.

Newcastle were hit with a £40,000 fine as it was their second offence of a similar type this season, while Sunderland were punished with a £20,000 penalty after tempers flared during the 1-1 draw.

Both clubs were also warned as to their future conduct.

An FA statement said both clubs admitted a charge of “failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour”.

It added: “The incident, which also saw both teams being warned as to their future conduct, occurred in the 19th minute of their game on March 4, 2012 and followed a challenge by Sunderland’s James Mcclean on Newcastle’s Danny Simpson. As this is Newcastle’s second misconduct charge of a similar nature in the same season, the standard punishment fine has been doubled in line with current regulations.”

Simpson reacted angrily to Mcclean’s challenge, sparking a melee where every player apart from Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was involved in some way.

Most appeared to be trying to restrain teammates, as referee Mike Dean attempted to restore order, although both clubs were still charged following an especially fiery derby.

Sunderland saw striker Stephane Sessegnon and captain Lee Cattermole sent off. Cattermole was dismissed after the final whistle.

Newcastle and Arsenal were fined £30,000 each for a similar offence in August last year after a mass confrontation in which striker Gervinho hit out at Joey Barton and was dismissed during a goalless draw on Tyneside. — AFP