FA fine Reading and Sheffield

AFP - 19 April 2007 18:12

Sheffield United´s Keith Gillespie celebrates scoring against Manchester United during their English Premiership match at Bramall Lane in Sheffield in 2006. The Football Association (FA) has fined Sheffield United and Reading following incidents which marred their Premiership clash on January 20.

LONDON (AFP) - The Football Association (FA) on Thursday fined Sheffield United and Reading following incidents which marred their Premiership clash on January 20.

Sheffield were fined 10,000 pounds (20,000 dollars) and Reading 5,000 pounds (10,000 dollars) after both clubs admitted failing to ensure that their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

The hearing considered charges issued after a 53rd-minute challenge by Blades' substitute Keith Gillespie on Stephen Hunt sparked clashes at the Madejski Stadium.

Blades manager Neil Warnock and Gillespie were sent off while Downes was also dismissed for his part in the melee during Reading's 3-1 win.

Reading coach Wally Downes has also been fined 2,000 pounds and handed a one-match touchline ban after admitting a charge of improper conduct.

The same charge against Reading academy manager Eamonn Dolan was withdrawn.