Image:James McClean and Danny Simpson: Clashed in the 19th minute at St James' Park
The FA has announced Newcastle and Sunderland have both been charged with misconduct following last weekend's derby at St James' Park.
Newcastle and Sunderland have until 4pm on 12th March to respond
The Football Association has announced Newcastle and Sunderland have both been charged with misconduct after last weekend's derby at St James' Park.
A 1-1 Premier League draw was overshadowed by a number of feisty incidents and Sunderland had Stephane Sessegnon sent off, while captain Lee Cattermole was then dismissed after the final whistle.
The FA has decided to take action and a charge relates specifically to a mass scuffle which followed a challenge from Sunderland's James McClean on Newcastle full-back Danny Simpson.
An FA statement read: "Newcastle United and Sunderland have both been charged with misconduct following the match between the two sides on Sunday 4th March 2012.
"The charge is that the clubs failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour and is in relation to an incident which occurred in the 19th minute following a challenge by Sunderland's James McClean on Newcastle's Danny Simpson.
"Both clubs have until 4pm on 12 March 2012 to respond to the charge."
Managers Alan Pardew and Martin O'Neill were also both involved in clashes on the touchline.
