HUDDERSFIELD Town and manager Lee Clark have admitted separate Football Association charges in the wake of the fiery clash with Stevenage.
Both clubs have been charged with ‘failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion’ (FA Rule E20, maximum fine £2,500) after the on-pitch confrontation which followed Stevenage coach Dino Maamria’s refusal to accept Clark’s handshake at the end of a League I game Town won 2-1.
Meanwhile Clark’s charge is of misconduct (Rule E3) punishable by a fine of up to £1,000.
There were also arguments between Stevenage directors and Town supporters frustrated at what they saw as the visitors’ timewasting tactics after the match, when Stevenage missed a late penalty which would have levelled the scores.
Stevenage, meanwhile, claimed Town defender Antony Kay should have been sent off rather than cautioned for the foul on Byron Harrison which led to the spot kick, and alleged that Alan Lee had elbowed Phil Edwards in an incident which brought the Town man a yellow card.
Town chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: "The match was action-packed with lots of controversy and incident, well before the final whistle.
"It had goals, an equaliser, a goalline clearance, a late penalty award and then a miss.
"There were claims for sendings off, plus what seemed a very long period of added time.
"The result hung in the balance right to the final whistle. It was a game we could easily have drawn after leading, similar to our previous home league fixture against Leyton Orient.
"In that context, for us to win and to take three points and for Stevenage to go away empty-handed, it is no surprise that the mix created a highly-charged and intense finish.
"Following the final whistle, emotions that had been building were clearly running high all around – on the pitch, on the touchline and in the stands – and they spilled over.
"The scenes did not make pleasant viewing and everyone concerned needs to recognise that and take responsibility for their part, in not only the events at the end but just as importantly in the run-up, and then learn from it.
"Huddersfield Town and Lee Clark have done as much.
"We have chosen to admit the charges, allowing us to move on and remain focused on tomorrow’s game at Exeter City."
Manager Lee Clark last night declined to add to Mr Clibbens’ statement.
Town were twice fined under Rule E20 the season before last, after the games at Bristol Rovers, when Gary Roberts received a retrospective red card for violent conduct, and at home to MK Dons, after an incident which brought three bookings, one for then-Town player Lee Peltier.
