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Birmingham City and Ipswich Town have been fined following a mass confrontation between players during their Championship clash at St Andrew’s on 8 August.
An independent Regulatory Commission found both clubs guilty of failing to ensure their players did not behave in an improper or provocative manner in the closing stages of the match. Birmingham have been fined £100,000, while Ipswich have received a £24,000 penalty, with both clubs also warned about their future conduct.
According to the Commission’s written reasons, “a mass confrontation occurred in front of the Tilton Stand, involving several players from both sides, following the scoring of an Ipswich Town penalty.” Video footage showed Ipswich’s number 9 celebrating with teammates after scoring a 95th-minute equaliser, while the number 10 kicked the ball forcefully into the home stand, striking a supporter. A Birmingham player then confronted him, sparking a scuffle between multiple players and substitutes from both sides.
The Commission noted that although there was no punching or serious violence, “pushing and shoving” took place before the players were separated after about 30 seconds. The referee showed a yellow card to one Ipswich player before the match resumed.
Both clubs admitted breaching FA Rule E20.1, which states:
“Each Affiliated Association, Competition and Club shall be responsible for ensuring that its Directors, players, officials, employees, servants and representatives, attending any match do not behave in a way which is improper, offensive, violent, threatening, abusive, indecent, insulting or provocative.”
The cases were designated as “non-standard” due to the seriousness of the incident and its proximity to the crowd. Birmingham’s fine was higher because of several previous misconduct breaches within the past 12 months.
Birmingham’s early admission of guilt and the club’s steps to address disciplinary issues at board level were also considered in mitigation, though the Commission decided there were “no clear and compelling reasons for suspending all or any part of the financial penalty.”
While Ipswich were credited for admitting the charge early and for some players attempting to calm the situation, the seriousness of the offence and its potential to inflame the crowd meant the fine was not suspended.
Both clubs retain the right to appeal the decision under FA regulations.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay / dimitrisvetsikas1969, Unsplash / Winston Tjia
