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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

Harry Pell: AFC Wimbledon midfielder given one-match ban for kicking balls at MK Dons fans

AFC Wimbledon midfielder Harry Pell has been banned for one match for kicking balls at MK Dons fans during their warm-up of their League Two clash earlier this month.

The two clubs admitted failing to control the behaviour of their players after a mass brawl following the final whistle in the home side's 1-0 win at the Cherry Red Records Stadium on March 2, and have been hit with £8,000 and £2,500 sanctions respectively.

Wimbledon midfielder Pell, an unused substitute in the game, admitted misconduct after appearing to kick balls towards MK Dons fans during the warm-up.

A statement on the Football Association's website said: "AFC Wimbledon and Milton Keynes Dons have been fined £8,000 and £2,500 respectively for their mass confrontation.

"Both clubs admitted that they failed to ensure their players and technical area occupants don't behave in an improper and provocative way after the final whistle.

"An independent Regulatory Commission imposed these sanctions following a hearing.

"Harry Pell has been given a one-match ban and £1,000 fine for misconduct. The midfielder admitted that he acted in an improper manner during the warm up. Another independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions after a hearing."

While admitting the charge levelled at them, Wimbledon have appealed against the penalty.

A statement on the club's official website said: "AFC Wimbledon have been fined £8,000 for a breach of FA Rule E20: mass confrontation during our match on 2 March 2024.

"Whilst we have accepted the charge, we have submitted an appeal regarding the level of the sanction."

Trouble flared at the end of the game after Ronan Curtis' last-gasp strike had secured victory for AFC Wimbledon, the club set up as Wimbledon FC prepared to move to Milton Keynes and become MK Dons.

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