Villa fined after Quarter Final pitch invasions

Dyke

Aston Villa have been fined £200,000 after admitting spectator misconduct in relation to their FA Cup Sixth Round tie against West Bromwich Albion on 7 March 2015.

The club was charged for failing to ensure that no spectators or unauthorised persons were permitted to encroach onto the pitch area whilst attending the game at Villa Park.

Following the Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, Aston Villa were also severely warned as to the club’s future conduct.

The FA have failed to fine themselves despite their insistence that an explosive local derby be played at 5.30 pm on Saturday evening for television purposes. The kick-off time was, in our view, a major contributory factor to the disorder.

Villa fans are still smarting at the inflammatory commentary on the BBC during the disorder from Mark Lawrenson and Jonathan Pearce. The BBC's jug-earred ex-goalhanger Gary Lineker described a pitch invasion at Reading as "lovely scenes".