Bristol City and Millwall Charged Following Post-Match Brawl
Bristol City and Millwall have been charged by the Football Association (FA) following a mass brawl involving players and coaching staff at the conclusion of their Championship match at Ashton Gate earlier this month.
In addition to the clubs, individual charges have been leveled against Joe Williams, Harry Cornick, Ross McCrorie, Joel Coleman, and Dave Livermore for their involvement in the incident.
Millwall secured a 1-0 victory in the match, thanks to a goal from Mihailo Ivanovic in the 59th minute, while Bristol City was denied a potential equalizer in stoppage time due to an offside call.
Following the match, tensions escalated when Lions manager Alex Neil and Robins head coach Gerhard Struber appeared to forgo a handshake. Bristol City captain Jason Knight was seen pushing Neil twice in the chest, which led to a larger confrontation.
The FA's charges state that both clubs failed to ensure that their players and technical staff refrained from improper, provocative, or violent behavior after the match, according to an FA spokesperson.
Among the players charged, only McCrorie participated in the game, having come on as a substitute in the 64th minute. Cornick did not play, remaining an unused substitute, and neither Williams nor Coleman was included in their respective matchday squads.
The spokesperson noted that while the actions of Cornick and McCrorie were not witnessed by match officials, they were captured on video and are alleged to constitute violent conduct.
Both clubs and the involved players have until Monday, January 5, to respond to the charges.