Sunderland and Newcastle accept misconduct charges

Sunderland and Newcastle have accepted misconduct charges from the FA following a stormy Tyne-Wear derby on March 4.

Both clubs were charged with a “failure to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour”.

The charge stemmed from a first-half melee which followed a foul by Sunderland winger James McClean on United full-back Danny Simpson.

Both clubs have requested personal hearings to discuss the incident further.

Sunderland playmaker Stephane Sessegnon was later sent off for throwing an arm towards Newcastle’s Cheick Tiote while Black Cats skipper Lee Cattermole was dismissed following the final whistle for using foul and abusive language towards referee Mike Dean.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew also attracted criticism for his touchline behaviour in a game which finished 1-1.