Birmingham City and Hull City face the prospect of disciplinary action after chaotic scenes at St Andrew’s brought their Championship clash to a standstill.
The match descended into disorder shortly before half-time when Birmingham striker Kyle Joseph caught Hull winger Patrick Roberts with a challenge near the dugouts in the 42nd minute.
The tackle sparked an angry reaction from home manager Chris Davies, who exchanged heated words with Hull’s bench, prompting players and staff from both sides to become involved.
What began as a touchline argument quickly erupted into a full-scale confrontation involving almost every player on the pitch, including both goalkeepers who sprinted to the halfway line to join the melee.
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Security staff and officials were forced to intervene to separate the groups as tempers flared in front of a stunned crowd.
Referee Rueben Ricardo halted play for more than four minutes before restoring order, issuing four yellow cards to players and members of the coaching staff.
The Football Association is expected to request formal explanations from both clubs, with potential sanctions likely once the referee’s report is reviewed.
Security staff and officials were forced to intervene to separate the groups as tempers flared in front of a stunned crowd
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On the field, the first half had already been an eventful one.
Hull took the lead when Birmingham defender Jack Robinson turned the ball into his own net early in the game.
Jay Stansfield equalised midway through the half, firing home to restore parity before tensions began to boil over.
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Birmingham and Hull players and staff were all involved in the brawl
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The mood soured again when Stansfield and Hull forward Joe Gelhardt were booked in the 45th minute following a separate exchange.
Moments later, Regan Slater restored the visitors’ advantage with a powerful header from a Lewie Coyle cross, sending Hull into the break 2-1 up.
The match carries importance for both sides.
Birmingham, without a win in three league games, were desperate to halt a worrying slide under Davies, while Hull were chasing their first away victory of the Championship campaign.
Although the football eventually resumed, the ugly confrontation overshadowed an otherwise high-tempo contest.
League officials are now expected to study video footage of the incident, which left coaches and players from both teams facing questions about their conduct.