Football

Tottenham and Brighton fined £100,000 each by FA

April 19, 2023 7:34 pm

The English Football Association has fined both Tottenham and Brighton Hove & Albion £100,000 for their part in the “mass confrontation” in the aftermath of their recent Premier League match.

The confrontation has been described as controversial, and both clubs have been found to be in breach of FA rules as the respective team members, Cristian Stellini and Roberto de Zerbi were sent off.

There was bound to be an altercation of some sort as Brighton saw two goals disallowed. The Seagulls’ woes were worsened with Harry Kane giving Spurs the lead with a late goal. A match that should have been remembered for Son Heung-min’s 100th Premier League goal will be remembered for the off-field antics of both sides.

The FA have been swift in its response, taking notice of the manager’s behaviour in their respective technical area. They have now decided to fine both clubs in their inability.

“Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion have been fined £100,000 each for a mass confrontation that occurred during their Premier League match on Saturday 8 April.

“Both clubs admitted they failed to ensure their benches conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and did not behave in a way which is proper during the 58th minute.

“An independent regulatory commission imposed their fines following a subsequent hearing.”

Stellini accepts his part in the problem

Caretaker Spurs boss, Cristian Stellini wants to put the matter behind him and focus on their path ahead. The manager admitted that both clubs were correctly fined by the regulatory authorities but also praised his charges for sticking with each other when matters got heated.

“Maybe for the atmosphere we created it is good the (FA) decision,” Stellini commented. “We have to be better but personally, I am happy we showed we are a team, we are linked, we are close and we defend ourselves and our club.

“At the same time, I am happy because I feel I was not involved in anything, so it is a good decision I stay on the touchline tomorrow.”

“This type of thing stays on the pitch, you forget this type of situation immediately after the game. There’s nothing to say. Everything is fine for me.”

De Zerbi blames the Spurs in melee

Brighton had a case for their ruled-out goals and were unlucky with the refereeing decisions. Their stance has been solidified by Professional Game Match Officials Limited’s (PMGOL) stance after the affair.

PMGOL chief Howard Webb acknowledged the refereeing mistakes that went against Brighton. De Zerbi remain unwilling to put it behind him but praised his player’s performance.

“We are very disappointed, very frustrated with the result. We have to be proud of this performance,” the Italian remarked.

“We are not to forget we are Brighton. We deserved to win the game. We improved because we show our quality and our style of play.

“I don’t want to put more pressure on the referees. I don’t like to discuss them.

‘There were a lot of situations very clear. You can take your opinion about this. My work is to give my players a clear idea of play.”

This is the second time De Zerbi’s actions have brought the game in disrepute. The former Sassuolo manager got a touchline ban and £15,000 fine in the aftermath of their meeting with Fulham on February 18.

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