Bristol Rovers and Rotherham United set to be punished over 93rd minute brawl | OneFootball

Bristol Rovers and Rotherham United have both been sanctioned by the FA for the incident during their clash at the Memorial Ground

The Football Association have charged both Bristol Rovers and Rotherham United for the brawl that broke out in the final stages of their recent league clash.

The Gas won 1-0 courtesy of a first half strike from Tommy Leigh, which was enough to earn all three points on September 5.

Steve Evans’ side have made a strong start to the campaign, and the victory over the Millers was the latest in a four match winning run in the league.

However, the closing stages of the fixture led to a brawl between the two coaching staffs following a dispute over a throw-in by the dugouts.

Rotherham boss Alex Bruce and Bristol Rovers assistant Paul Raynor were involved in the incident, with the pair both being shown a red card for their conduct.

Raynor of course is no stranger to Rotherham fans, having been part of the management team with Evans at the Millers on two separate occasions for over 200 games, and their touchline antics at times will also be no surprise to their fanbase.

The South Yorkshire outfit suffered their second defeat of the season at the Memorial Stadium, and have earned just five points from a possible 15 so far.

FA confirm Bristol Rovers and Rotherham United charges

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The FA have released a statement on their X account to confirm that they have charged both Rotherham and Bristol Rovers for the incident that took place in stoppage time of their clash last weekend.

Both Bruce and Raynor have also been charged, and all four parties have been given a deadline of 14 September to provide any response before facing potential punishments.

“Bristol Rovers, Rotherham United, Alex Bruce and Paul Raynor have been charged following their EFL League Two fixture on Saturday 5 September,” wrote the FA.

“It’s alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the 93rd minute of the match.

“The manager and coach allegedly acted in an improper manner around the 93rd minute, which led to their dismissals, and also after being sent off by remaining in view of the pitch.

“Bristol Rovers, Rotherham United, Alex Bruce and Paul Raynor have until Monday 14 September to provide their responses.”

Bruce and Raynor are set to serve a touchline ban as a result of being sent off last weekend, but they could face a further suspension as a result of this FA charge.

The two clubs are also at risk of being fined, although it remains to be seen how they will respond to this charge.

Previous FA sanctions in the EFL

The EFL have previously sanctioned other clubs in the EFL for similar incidents, with Birmingham City and Ipswich Town both involved in a notable scrap last season.

The Blues were handed a six-figure fine after the players got involved in a brawl following a late winner from the penalty spot from Kieran McKenna’s side at St. Andrew’s.

The Midlands outfit were fined £100,000 for being unable to control their players, while Ipswich received a meagre £24,000 fine.

Both Rotherham and Bristol Rovers will be hoping to avoid sanctions the size of Birmingham’s.

Rotherham and Bristol Rovers don’t deserve significant fines

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The incident between Rotherham and Bristol Rovers was much tamer compared to the brawl between Birmingham and Ipswich.

The two coaches involved separated rather quickly, and it didn’t break out into a massive incident with the players - it was handbags at best.

So, it would be surprising if they were handed any fines near the size of what the Blues received last year, even if there is likely some financial penalty heading their way.

However, they will both have to be on their best behaviour going forward, as the FA will frown upon a repeat incident any time soon, and that could lead to bigger punishments in the future.