Middlesbrough and Leo Percovich charged over Birmingham City flashpoint

Middlesbrough and Birmingham City have been charged with failing to control their players in Tuesday's stormy Championship encounter.
Middlesbrough coach Leo Percovich is one of those charged by the Football AssociationMiddlesbrough coach Leo Percovich is one of those charged by the Football Association
Middlesbrough coach Leo Percovich is one of those charged by the Football Association

Boro coach Leo Percovich has also been charged, along with Blues' head of performance Sean Rush.

The Uruguayan took to Facebook this week to deny throwing a punch in the 87th-minute incident, when referee Andy Woolmer initially waved play on with Boro midfielder Marcus Tavernier down with a head injury, then stopped it before Birmingham found the net. It prompted a melee involving players from both sides.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I didn’t throw any punches as was said,” insisted Percovich.

After the game, Birmingham manager Pep Clotet accused Boro's bench of “storming the pitch”.

“After I watched the interview with Mr Clotet, the, Birmingham City manager, after the game I noticed he mentioned my person, with a misinformation,” wrote Percovich. “I feel wronged to have anything untrue said about me.

“Let me be clear, I didn’t even raise one hand.

“I was trying to protect my player, as is always my number one priority.”

Percovich and Rush were both sent off in the 1-1 draw.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The clubs are charged with “failing to ensure their officials and/or players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour”, the coaches with improper conduct.

All have until Tuesday to respond.