Southampton fined for unruly players
Southampton have been fined US$30,300 after accepting a Football Association charge of failing to control their players in last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Norwich City.
The Premier League strugglers were charged for the angry reaction of their players when referee Mark Clattenburg awarded a late penalty to Norwich for a foul on Grant Holt by Luke Shaw.
Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc saved Holt’s subsequent attempt from 12 yards but the visiting players continued to protest after the final whistle and were joined on the pitch by manager Mauricio Pochettino.
“The FA has today fined Southampton 20,000 pounds after they admitted a charge of failing to control their players,” read a statement on the FA website.
“The incident occurred following the awarding of a penalty to Norwich during the match at Carrow Road on Saturday 9 March.”
Speaking before the charge was accepted, Pochettino said: “I don’t really feel bad about it because I had full respect for the referee.
“I went to speak with him and perhaps I should have waited until he came to the dug-out to speak to him, but I was always on speaking terms.
“That is the kind of person I am - a spontaneous person.”
Southampton, who host Liverpool on Saturday, are currently four points above the Premier League relegation places.
