Sheffield United and Southampton indicted by Football Association after Bramall Lane shock | Football news

Sheffield United and Southampton have been accused of failing to control their players after spirits heated late in the Saints’ 2-0 win at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

The incident occurred in the first of three added minutes when United’s John Fleck fouled ex-Blade Che Adams, who was on the scoresheet when Southampton won.

Fleck was given a yellow card for the challenge, verified by VAR, but the Saints players surrounded referee Paul Tierney in demanding more, with United’s Oli McBurnie and Southampton’s Jannik Vestergaard being reserved for their reactions.

An FA statement said: “It is alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players behaved in an orderly manner during the 90th minute and they have until Monday (3/15/21) to answer.”

Meanwhile, Sky Bet Championship Middlesbrough was hit with a similar accusation following their 2-1 loss to Swansea on Saturday.

Boro, who had previously seen a goal by Marc Bola controversially ruled out, lost on a penalty awarded by referee Gavin Ward seven minutes after the stoppage time began, causing warm-ups at the final whistle.

An FA statement said: “Middlesbrough FC have reportedly failed to ensure that their players and / or club officers behave in an orderly manner after the final whistle, and the club have until Monday (15 / 3/21) to provide an answer. “

Pep: Foden-VAR calls incredible!

VAR was in the spotlight again in the Southampton game on Wednesday night as a test for a penalty cry from Phil Foden was not overturned, a move Pep Guardiola described as “unbelievable!”

With Manchester City’s game against the Saints at 1-1, Foden scored on goal before attempting to get around goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, who had slipped in to dispossess the England international.

McCarthy failed to recover the ball, making clear contact with Foden, and although the City man initially fell, he bounced to his feet to retrieve the ball, looking to score.

He eventually had to recycle possession due to the tight angle, and after Jon Moss initially stirred the play, the intervention of VAR Andrew Madley felt that there had been no “clear error and obvious “, much to Guardiola’s surprise.

Guardiola also noted contentious VAR calls in recent Fulham-Tottenham and Burnley-Arsenal games, and called on the referees to explain the rules to players and managers again.

“I don’t understand why Fulham refused the goal against Tottenham. I don’t understand Arsenal’s hands against Burnley. Another example is today’s penalty,” Guardiola told Air sports.

“Jon (Moss) can’t see it, but the VAR is there, they don’t whistle the penalty, it’s amazing.

“For a long time, maybe four or five years, never complain about the refs, but this action is really amazing. Unbelievable.

“VAR exists when the referee doesn’t see the action, he can make a mistake, that’s why he reviews. But if there is a reconsideration and he hasn’t called the penalty for that action , I don’t understand. Honestly, the same with Fulham and Arsenal.

“Maybe one day they will explain the rule to all the managers and players.”

Guardiola added during his post-match press conference: “I hope someday they can explain what’s going on. Jon, the referee, can’t see it, but VAR, oh my god.

“Losing 2-5 I’m not commenting, after you win you can do it, otherwise it sounds like an excuse. Ask the right people why they do it.

“It’s amazing. Maybe one day they’ll explain the rules and VAR. I hope one day they can explain what’s going on. But what made me so proud was the ‘Phil’s honesty. “