Southampton and Portsmouth have received fines of £40,000 and £30,000 respectively following a mass confrontation during their FA Cup fourth-round tie. The Football Association (FA) issued the sanctions after an incident in the 88th minute of the match at St Mary's Stadium on 25 January. Both clubs admitted to failing to ensure their players and technical area staff behaved in an orderly fashion.
The melee began after a challenge near the touchline, involving several players from both sides before coaching staff intervened. According to an FA spokesperson, the independent regulatory commission found both clubs breached FA Rule E20.1. Southampton, a Premier League side, received a higher penalty due to a previous disciplinary record regarding similar incidents. Portsmouth, currently in the Championship, accepted the standard penalty for a first-time breach in the current three-year cycle. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Southampton eventually progressing to the next round via a penalty shootout in the subsequent replay at Fratton Park.
