Gills Fined for Mass Brawl; Managers Held Responsible
Gillingham Football Club has faced penalties following a mass confrontation with Colchester United during a League 2 match on December 29. The FA Regulatory Commission has imposed a £9,000 fine on both clubs, attributing the unrest primarily to actions taken by their respective managers.
Details of the Incident
The confrontation erupted immediately after the final whistle, involving players and staff from both teams. It was identified that the behavior of managers Gareth Ainsworth (Gillingham) and Danny Cowley (Colchester) instigated the brawl. The FA found that both managers failed to control the situation, which escalated into a significant disturbance on the pitch.
Charges and Admissions
Both clubs admitted to the charges brought against them. Gillingham did not request a personal hearing, but provided statements from key personnel, including managing director Joe Comper and head coach Ainsworth. Despite these statements, the commission found that evidence pointed to the managers as the instigators of the altercation.
- Incident Date: December 29
- Fines Imposed: £9,000 on Gillingham and Colchester
- Managers Responsible: Gareth Ainsworth and Danny Cowley
Evidence and Commission Findings
The commission reviewed video footage, which showed that Gillingham staff remained on the pitch after the match concluded, contradicting their claim that they had removed themselves from the situation. The report mentioned that Ainsworth continued to engage with Cowley after the brawl started.
The commission also rejected the notion that the incident was resolved quickly, stating that the evidence indicated prolonged involvement from members of both clubs. The behavior exhibited was classified as violent and provocative.
Prior Sanctions
Gillingham’s recent history of infractions was noted, as they had previously faced sanctions for confrontations in matches against Shrewsbury (August 2021) and Crawley Town (August 2023). This suggests a troubling pattern of behavior concerning player and staff management during matches.
Consequences for Managers
As Gillingham prepares for their upcoming match against Harrogate Town, they do so with the knowledge that manager Gareth Ainsworth played a direct role in the recent sanction. Meanwhile, Harrogate’s Simon Weaver is facing a touchline ban due to a red card in a prior match against Shrewsbury Town.
Related Developments in League 2
In a noteworthy development, former Gillingham boss Steve Evans, now at Bristol Rovers, has also been charged with misconduct by the FA. This follows his dismissal after the final whistle of an EFL Trophy match.
The FA’s actions serve as a reminder of the responsibility managers hold in maintaining professionalism and decorum during and after matches, particularly during high-stakes confrontations. As clubs strive to improve, it is essential to address these aggressive incidents to foster a more positive sporting environment.
