Ex-refs chief Exclusive: Bristol City and Millwall players to pay huge fines after mass brawl scenes
Bristol City and Millwall must force the players and staff involved to repay incoming fines after the two clubs clashed at Ashton Gate.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Championship duo are incredibly likely to face punishment after the incident on Saturday, 6 December.
Mihailo Ivanovic recently penned new terms at Millwall, and it was the striker who netted the only goal of the game, before incredible scenes blew up after the full-time whistle.
Alongside Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich City and Portsmouth are likely to be relegated, but neither let their emotions get the better of them during their games over the weekend.
Full-time brawls spark at Ashton Gate
On-pitch brawls are happening far too often, with Bournemouth and Sunderland clashing, especially after Lewis Cook‘s red card, and those involved are being told to take accountability for their actions.
West Ham were charged for failing to control their players against Chelsea back in February, and these incidents are just becoming more and more common in English football.
While it is likely to take a long time before any investigation is concluded and punishments are handed down to each club, it is important that the players and staff keep their emotions in check.
With an idea of how to ensure that happens, Hackett believes forcing those involved in the mass brawls should be forced to pay whatever fine the footballing authorities deem appropriate.
Bristol City and Millwall players and staff to be fined after ugly scenes
Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “In the case of Bristol City vs Millwall, you’ve got a mass confrontation, and that’s something the authority has to really take part in.
“Even in my day, a fine could have been imposed of up to £250,000 on a club for mass confrontation. It never got to that level, but what the owners of the club say is that the fine is going to be paid by the players.
“Bristol City and Millwall aren’t on Premier League wages, so when a fine comes in, as they will do, the clubs must ensure the players [and staff] are taking the brunt of the cost.“