Reading Football Club News

• Nickname:Royals
• Founded:1871
• Manager:Brian McDermott

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

FA charge feuding clubs

24 Jan 2007 - 15:16:03

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Reading and Sheffield United have been charged with failing to control their players and/or officials after a touchline spat marred Saturday's meeting of the two sides at the Madejski Stadium.

The Football Association has also confirmed that Reading assistant manager Wally Downes has been charged with improper conduct in relation to the same incident.

The ugly scenes were sparked during the second half of the Royals' 3-1 victory when Blades winger Keith Gillespie was dismissed just 20 seconds after arriving on the pitch as a substitute for appearing to elbow Steve Hunt.

Gillespie, who also restarted his argument with the Royals player on his way off the pitch, has since admitted a charge of violent conduct and will attend a hearing on January 30 to hear his fate.

Following the incident, Neil Warnock remonstrated with referee Mark Halsey, which led to Downes pushing and confronting the Blades boss in the technical area.

Warnock has escaped any further action but Downes has been given until February 7 to respond to his charge of improper conduct.

"A number of charges have been issued following incidents during Saturday's match," confirmed an FA statement.

"Both clubs have been charged with failing to control their players and/or officials.

"Reading coach Wally Downes has been charged with improper conduct in relation to the same incident.

"Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock has been reminded of his responsibilities, but will not face any formal disciplinary action."