Premier League English

Manchester United hit with an £82,000 fine from the FA for failing to control their players against Newcastle and Chelsea

The FA have fined Manchester United a total of £82,000 by for failing to control their players in the Premier League fixtures against Newcastle and Chelsea last month.

The charges were accepted by United which resulted from a £45,000 fine for the Newcastle game and £37,000 for the Chelsea game.

In the goalless draw with Newcastle at Old Trafford, United players surrounded referee Craig Pawson after he disallowed a Cristiano Ronaldo goal when the Portugal star surprised everyone by quickly pouncing on the ball to set up a self-awarded free kick and promptly scored into an empty net.

Then a week later, United players again boisterously complained to referee Stuart Attwell when he awarded Chelsea a penalty for Scott McTominay’s challenge on Armando Broja at a corner.

The FA statement on Wednesday read: “Manchester United FC has been fined £82,000 in total for breaching FA Rule E20.1 during its Premier League matches against Newcastle United FC on Sunday 16 October and Chelsea FC on Saturday 22 October.

“Manchester United FC admitted that it failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 49th minute of the Newcastle United FC game and the 84th minute of the Chelsea FC fixture.

“Independent Regulatory Commissions imposed fines of £45,000 and £37,000 for the respective breaches in the Newcastle United FC and Chelsea FC matches during separate hearings.

“The independent Regulatory Commissions’ written reasons for these individual sanctions will be published in due course.”

Ten Hag defended his players after the surrounding of Pawson in the Newcastle match.

“I don’t think it was too strong,” Ten Hag said.

“It wasn’t really aggressive but I don’t know what’s happening exactly on the pitch, I was too far away. I saw it back on the video.

“There was a touch from the Newcastle player, quite clear, and they went to the referee to ask about it.

“I want to express that we have always accepted the referee’s decisions.

“Quite normal that you ask why in the moment. It was a curious incident. My view is that quickly you have to accept the ref’s decision, there is VAR, you accept and move on.”