Why Middlesbrough, Birmingham, Leo Percovich and Sean Rush have been charged after Riverside incident

Middlesbrough and Birmingham City have both been charged following a touchline incident at the Riverside.

Tensions boiled over in the 87th minute of the match when Birmingham thought they’d scored a late winner, yet the goal was ruled out after Marcus Tavernier suffered a head injury.

After the game, Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate played down the incident while Blues head coach Pep Clotet criticised the behaviour of the opposing bench.

Boro coach Leo Percovich and Birmingham’s head of performance Sean Rush were both sent off for their parts in the touchline altercation.

Both have been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 and now have until Tuesday, January 28 to appeal.

The FA have issued the following statement:

“Middlesbrough FC and Birmingham City FC have been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20. It is alleged that the clubs failed to ensure their officials and/or players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour during the 87th minute of their EFL Championship fixture on 21 January 2020.

“In addition, a Middlesbrough FC coach, Leo Percovich, and Birmingham City FC’s Head of Performance, Sean Rush, have been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3. It is alleged that their behaviour during the 87th minute of the fixture amounts to improper conduct.

“Both clubs, Leo Percovich and Sean Rush have until 28 January 2020 to respond to their respective charges.”