Hull City Assistant Coach Fined After Touchline Red Card

Hull City assistant head coach Marko Salatovic has been fined £1,500 by an FA Regulatory Commission following his dismissal during a Championship match against Southampton in January.

Salatovic was sent off in the 90th minute of Hull’s league fixture on 17 January 2026 after throwing a water bottle forcefully to the ground in the technical area in protest at a refereeing decision. The incident occurred after he had already received a yellow card for persistent unacceptable behaviour.

According to the written reasons published by The Football Association, Salatovic had been repeatedly warned by fourth official Richie Watkins for standing and coaching at the front of the technical area, contrary to guidelines which allow only one member of staff to do so. Despite several warnings throughout the match, the behaviour continued, leading to a yellow card in the 49th minute.

In stoppage time, Salatovic reacted angrily to a perceived missed foul on a Hull player by throwing a water bottle at the ground in what the fourth official described as a “violent and aggressive manner”. While the bottle did not strike anyone, part of it broke off and travelled towards the Southampton technical area, prompting the referee to issue a red card.

The FA subsequently charged Salatovic with misconduct under FA Rule E3.1, alleging that he acted improperly and brought the game into disrepute. The case was designated as non-standard due to the seriousness and unusual nature of the conduct.

Salatovic admitted the charge and did not request a personal hearing. Hull City’s club secretary, David Beeby, wrote on his behalf, citing his limited command of English and confirming that the coach accepted responsibility and apologised for his actions. The club argued that the incident was minor, highlighted perceived refereeing errors during the match, and asked the Commission to consider a warning or, failing that, a suspended penalty.

However, the Regulatory Commission agreed with The FA that the misconduct was not minor. While it accepted that Salatovic had not intended to hit anyone and took into account his apology and clean disciplinary record, the Commission concluded that his actions were reckless and followed persistent disregard of official warnings.

Although the Commission considered whether a match ban was appropriate, it ultimately decided that a financial penalty would suffice. The standard penalty for an admitted charge involving an assistant coach is £1,000, but the panel determined that an increased sanction was justified.

Salatovic was therefore fined £1,500, with the Commission rejecting Hull’s request to suspend the penalty, citing a lack of compelling reasons to do so. No sporting sanction was imposed.

The decision may be appealed in accordance with FA regulations.