Bristol Rovers receive FA fine after mass confrontation in Boxing Day win against Portsmouth

Bristol Rovers and Portsmouth players confronted each other after a nasty Sean Raggett challenge on Aaron Collins

Bristol Rovers have been fined £2,500 by the FA "following a mass confrontation" in their Boxing Day win over league leaders Portsmouth, who have received the same fine.

According to the FA, "both clubs admitted they failed to ensure that their players do not behave in an improper and/or provocative way" for an incident that occurred in the 68th minute.

A brawl broke out between both sets of players after Pompey defender Sean Raggett produced a late challenge on Aaron Collins which the Gas forward certainly felt as he went to the ground and stay down for a period of time. The offender received a yellow card from referee Scott Tallis which was met with widespread boos across the Mem with the majority of attendees in the stadium adamant that the challenge was worthy of a sending off.

The incident ensued after Rovers had taken the lead via an Antony Evans free-kick before Portsmouth equalised just eight minutes after the altercation between both sets of players, infuriating everyone of a Bristol Rovers persuasion further.

There was enough time for a winner though as Luke Thomas converted Harvey Vale's cross at the back-post in the 94th minute to send the Mem into raptures, handing the League One leaders their first away defeat in the league since March 7.