Cherries accept FA punishment

Bournemouth have accepted a £2,500 fine from the Football Association for their players' reaction following the 2-1 home defeat to Hartlepool last weekend.

The Cherries were incensed by referee Iain Williamson's decision not send off Pools' Andy Monkhouse for a heavy challenge on Warren Cummings late in the game. Monkhouse was booked.

Several players surrounded Williamson following the decision, actions that led to the FA rap.

Chairman Eddie Mitchell said: "We can never condone mass confrontation or players surrounding the referee.

"But in this case I can understand why the players reacted as they did. We will be accepting the charges and paying the fine."

Bournemouth boss Lee Bradbury added: "We see these kinds of incidents happen in most games but rarely are they picked up on by the FA. As long as the opposition are receiving a similar charge then we have no grounds to complain."

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