Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur charged by FA for players’ misconduct

London: Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have both been charged by the Football Association for failing to “ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion” during their clash at Villa Park on Sunday.

Referee Neil Swarbrick sent off Villa striker Christian Benteke after a 66th-minute scuffle near the touchline, which involved several players from both sides.

Tottenham eventually won the Premier League match 2-1 after goals from Nacer Chadli and Harry Kane in the last 10 minutes saw them to victory over their depleted hosts.

Benteke clashed with Spurs midfielders Erik Lamela and Ryan Mason in front of the dugouts before shoving the latter in the face, leading to a melee between the two teams.

The FA responded by saying Wednesday: “Both Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have been charged by the FA following their game on Sunday 2 November 2014.

“It is alleged that in or around the 66th minute of the game, the clubs failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

“Both clubs have until 6pm (10pm UAE) on 10 November 2014 to respond to the charge.”