Aston Villa and Reading charged by the FA after pitch invasions during respective FA Cup sixth round victories

It is alleged that Villa and Reading failed to prevent spectators encroaching on the pitch

A view of the scenes as fans entered the pitch during Aston Villa's FA Cup tie with West Brom (GETTY IMAGES)

Aston Villa and Reading have been charged in relation to crowd disturbances occurring after their FA Cup quarter-final matches, the Football Association has announced.

It is alleged that Villa and Reading failed to prevent spectators encroaching on the pitch following the clubs' sixth-round victories against West Brom and Bradford respectively.

Both clubs have until Thursday to respond to the charge.

The Midlands club's 2-0 win at Villa Park had to be temporarily stopped as fans spilled onto the pitch towards the end of the game and the full-time whistle prompted a mass pitch invasion, as Tim Sherwood's side booked their place at Wembley.

Seats were also thrown from the stand holding West Brom's supporters and some Baggies players were confronted by celebrating fans.

A view of the scenes during Aston Villa's FA Cup tie with West Brom (GETTY IMAGES)

A view of the scenes during Aston Villa's FA Cup tie with West Brom (GETTY IMAGES)

West Brom goalkeeper Boaz Myhill faces the taunting of an Aston Villa fan (Reuters)

West Brom expressed their "deep concern" for the safety of the players after the match and manager Tony Pulis described the scenes as "disgraceful".

Reading fans also invaded the pitch after the Royals beat Bradford 3-0 in a replay at the Madejski Stadium and one supporter entered the pitch during the contest.

Reading lost 2-1 after extra-time on Saturday to Arsenal, who will play Villa in the FA Cup final after Sherwood's side beat Liverpool 2-1.

PA