Bristol City's play-off spot rivals sweating over 'huge punishment' after latest FA decision

Bristol City return to action with a challenging home game against fellow promotion candidates Sunderland at Ashton Gate.

It comes at a crucial time for the Cider Army, who have the chance to extend their lead over their play-off chasing rivals as West Brom face Coventry City and Middlesbrough play host to Plymouth Argyle. Liam Manning’s side are firmly on course to finish in the top six and have the luxury of being in control of their destiny heading into the last four matches.

Sunderland are a potential opponent in the play-offs if the Robins do achieve their goal and will therefore be plenty for the Bristol City coaching team to assess ahead of another potential meeting later in the season. Elsewhere, there’s also trouble brewing at another of Bristol City’s potential promotion rivals with Sheffield United once again hitting the headlines. Here’s the latest.

Sheffield United face ‘huge punishment’

Sheffield United could face another huge FA fine after the FA confirmed that both the Blades and Plymouth Argyle have been charged following a post-match melee at last weekend’s match at Home Park. Players and officials came together in unsavoury scenes after the game on the pitch, while the fracas appeared to continue into the tunnel.

The Sheffield Star understands that the catalyst seemed to be a confrontation between two Plymouth players and United boss Chris Wilder, after the duo appeared to celebrate a 2-1 victory right in front of United’s players and travelling support.

The shock defeat marked the Blades third consecutive loss in the league, in a run which has seen the side fall from the automatic promotion spots into third position, with a five point deficit now separating them from Leeds United and Burnley on 88 points. It only intensifies the pressure on the Bramall Lane side to bounce back when they face strugglers Cardiff City in front of their own supporters.

How much are Sheffield United likely to be fined?

The FA released a statement earlier today explaining: that both United and Argyle had been charged with an alleged breach of “failing to ensure their players and/or technical area staff didn’t behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the tunnel area after the final whistle.” Both clubs have until next Wednesday, April 23, to provide their responses.

If United are found guilty then their latest fine could be in the region of £250,000, with their previous breaches of similar FA rules this season already exceeding that total amount and roughly doubling in size each time.

The Blades face Cardiff City, Burnley, Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers with the hopes of sneaking back into the automatic promotion picture. If they fail to achieve their goal they will take on the team that finishes sixth in the first leg of the play-off semi-final, which is likely to be one of Bristol City or Coventry City as things stand.

How much a Championship play-off place is worth to Bristol City, Sunderland and Coventry City