Aston Villa and West Ham Women charged by FA after unsavoury red card incident

Aston Villa and West Ham Women have been charged by the Football Association following last weekend's meeting at the Poundland Bescot Stadium in the Women's Super League.

The Hammers secured a 2-1 victory on the day but the performance was marred by unsavoury scenes towards the end of the game. An altercation between Aston Villa's Sarah Mayling and West Ham's Hawa Cissoko resulted in the latter striking her opponent in the face.

Cissoko was sent off as a result and the melee continued in the dugout with West Ham boss Paul Konchesky also dismissed. The FA have now confirmed both clubs have been charged with a breach of Rule E20 as it has been alleged they failed to ensure their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

A statement released by the FA also confirmed Cissoko has been charged with two breaches of Rule E3 as it's alleged her behaviour was violent following the offence she was sent off for. It is also alleged her behaviour in the technical area, as she made her way off the pitch, was also improper.

Konchesky, as well as Aston Villa's Operations Assistant Jack Hopkins, have been charged with a breach of Rule E3. It is alleged their behaviour in the dugout around the 91st minute was improper.

The FA added both clubs, as well as the individuals, have until Monday 24 October 2022 to respond to their respective charges.

Aston Villa said in a statement on Thursday: "Aston Villa Women acknowledge the charges made by the FA in response to events from our Barclays WSL fixture against West Ham United last weekend. The club will be contesting both charges. No further comment will be made at this time."

Carla Ward, manager of Aston Villa, reflected on the incident against West Ham when she spoke to the media ahead of this weekend's meeting with Everton. She stated, having watched the footage back, her staff conducted themselves in the right manner.

"We've reviewed it and we've looked, I credit my staff and my players, I think they handled themselves brilliantly," she said. "I think the footage shows that. Having reviewed it back, I can honestly say, anyone that's represented Aston Villa has conducted themselves in the right way."

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