Watford And Palace Punished For Play-Off Fracas.

Last updated : 25 May 2006 By Gary Calder

Watford and Crystal Palace have both been fined by the FA for the unseemly incident perpetrated by Aidy Boothroyd and Fitz Hall during their Coca-Cola Championship Play-off Semi-Final Second Leg at Vicarage Road on Tuesday 9 May 2006.

The bust-up came about when the lanky Palace defender took offence to the Watford manager's attempt to get the ball back in to play quickly, and descended into farce as players and officials from both sides became embroiled in an ugly confrontation.

No individuals were singled out for disciplinary action but the clubs have, and in a statement the FA confirmed:

Watford FC have been fined £35,000 and Crystal Palace FC £42,000 for the conduct of their players and officials during the Football League Championship Play-Off Second Leg at Vicarage Road on 9 May.

The two clubs were also severely censured and warned as to its future conduct.

Watford and Crystal Palace both admitted charges of failing to ensure that their players and/or officials and/or employees conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from provocative behaviour, and did not request a personal hearing.

The case was dealt with by a Disciplinary Commission on the basis of video evidence, match officials' reports and other documentation.