Clubs must respond after pitch battle

Stoke and QPR have been given a week to formally respond to a Football Association request for information which led to the arrest of four men at the end of Saturday’s Coca-Cola Championship game.

The FA are to investigate the ugly scenes which unfolded following QPR’s 2-1 victory at the Britannia Stadium.

Rangers goalkeeper Simon Royce was confronted, sparking a melee involving players from both teams, backroom staff, match officials and stewards.

Staffordshire police eventually arrested the men, all from Stoke, on suspicion of pitch encroachment and public order offences.

They were later released on police bail pending further inquiries, with no charges filed. However, the FA, police and the clubs are now looking thoroughly into the incident.

An FA spokesman said: “We are in communication with the police and the clubs as we seek to gain a better understanding of what unfolded. Stoke and Queens Park Rangers have a week to formally respond.”