Sunderland and Newcastle seek hearing on FA charge

Lee Cattermole was red carded after the final whistle (GETTY IMAGES)

Newcastle United and Sunderland yesterday accepted misconduct charges arising from their meeting nine days ago at St James' Park.

Both clubs have asked for hearings over an incident that happened after Sunderland's James McClean fouled Danny Simpson. Players became involved in a mêlée and coaches had to be parted. Both clubs were charged by the Football Association with "failure to ensure players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion".

Andy Woodman, the Newcastle goalkeeping coach, was sent to the stands after a row with Jim Henry, Sunderland's fitness coach. Stéphane Sessègnon was sent off for striking Cheick Tioté and Lee Cattermole was shown a red card for arguing with the referee, Mike Dean. Sessègnon was banned for three games and Cattermole was banned for four.

Cattermole's trial for criminal damage, over an alleged incident in Newcastle in December, was adjourned yesterday. He was granted unconditional bail until 26 March, when the case will be heard again. The striker Nicklas Bendtner was cleared of the same charge after the prosecution withdrew its case.