Birmingham and Aston Villa charged for failing to control players in heated derby

Following a rash tackle from Birmingham midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld on Villa captain Jack Grealish in the fifth minute, players from both sides were involved in scuffles

Birmingham and Aston Villa have been charged with failing to control their players during an early incident in Sunday’s derby, the Football Association has announced.

Following a rash tackle from Birmingham midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld on Villa captain Jack Grealish in the fifth minute, players from both sides were involved in scuffles.

The two clubs have until Monday 18 March to respond.

“BCFC and AVFCOfficial have been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20 following their fixture in the EFL Championship on Sunday [10/03/2019],” a statement from the FA read on Twitter.

“It is alleged they failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 5th minute of the fixture.

“Both clubs have until Monday [18/03/2019] to respond.”

The match at St Andrew’s was overshadowed by an incident during the ninth minute when a spectator ran onto the pitch and threw a punch at Grealish.

Birmingham fan Paul Mitchell, 27, was subsequently jailed for 14 weeks for his attack on Grealish after pleading guilty to assault and invading the pitch.

He was also banned from all football stadiums for 10 years by Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, while Blues imposed a lifetime ban from their fixtures.