Stoke and Plymouth fined over players' clash

Players from both sides were involved in the confrontation during the first half

Stoke City and Plymouth Argyle have been fined following a confrontation involving about a dozen players during their Championship game last month.

Both clubs admitted a charge of failing to ensure their players did not behave in an improper or provocative way.

The Potters, who won the game 3-0 on 20 April, were fined £24,000 and Argyle £5,000.

The incident happened in the 35th minute of the game, resulting in two players from each side being shown yellow cards.

It followed a coming together between Stoke's Million Manhoef and Argyle goalkeeper Michael Cooper

Those booked were Ki-Jana Hoever and Tyrese Campbell of the home side and Plymouth's Cooper and Bali Mumba.

An independent disciplinary panel's report said it was the sixth time in the past five seasons that Stoke have received fines for similar rule breaches, which it described as an "utterly dreadful record".

In October, the Potters and Southampton were fined - £12,000 for Stoke - following a melee at the end of their match.