Fulham fine Diop, Cole

Fulham have announced Papa Bouba Diop and Andrew Cole are to be “heavily fined” following their red cards at West Brom.

The pair were both dismissed for violent conduct during a bad-tempered clash at The Hawthorns.

The FA yesterday issued disciplinary charges against Fulham, manager Chris Coleman and Cole as well as West Brom’s Neil Clement who was red-carded for fouling Luis Boa Morte.

Following the 1-1 draw Coleman stated he would not be punishing the players but the club have intervened.

A statement on the club’s website, www.fulhamfc.com, said: “Fulham Football Club does not accept all of the charges that have been brought against it by the Football Association following its match with West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns last Saturday, September 18.

“Having participated at the highest levels of the game, Papa Bouba (Diop) and Andrew (Cole) should have known better than to respond unlawfully to the provocation to which they were apparently subjected by certain West Bromwich Albion players.

“Violent conduct, whether provoked or otherwise, is totally unacceptable to Fulham Football Club and both players are to be heavily fined by the club for their misbehaviour.”