CITY are expected to plead their case with the FA after being charged following the late melee in the Wimbledon game.

Graham Alexander confirmed the club are likely to issue a response to the authorities by today’s deadline.

The incident near the end of Saturday’s goalless draw at Valley Parade was included in referee Andy Davies’ report.

Richie Smallwood’s challenge on Myles Hippolyte angered Wimbledon and players from both sides quickly converged on each other.

Davies subsequently booked four players when things had calmed down.

“We know there are conditions that you can’t go round the referee,” said Alexander. “But I don’t think we actually did that.

“Richie made a tackle that I don’t think was deemed a foul. But everyone reacted from their side and our players got round it.

“It’s a thing that has always happened in contact sport, not just football but rugby, the lot.

“We understand if there’s something there where we have to do better then will try.”

It is alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the 91st minute.

Alexander suggested there may be a suspended charge hanging over City from last season before he took over.

The club were fined £1,750 following a mass confrontation at Grimsby in the EFL Trophy in October 2023 when Emmanuel Osadebe was sent off. The Mariners also had to pay £1,500.

Referring to last weekend’s clash, the City boss added: “It was a flashpoint. Their players did rush in on Richie and Brad (Halliday) who were right there.

“I think there was maybe four or five players of theirs and then Richie and Brad’s team-mates got round to it.

“If you look at it closely, everyone is pulling people away.

“There are 18-19 players but maybe (only) two or three pushing each other. The others are trying to break it up.

“It’s not a good look for football and we understand that. But I don’t think any of our individuals did anything particularly wrong.

“We’ll have to look into it and deal with it accordingly.”

FLASH SALE: Enjoy all our City coverage, ad light, for just £1 for one month or 30 per cent off the annual T&A subscription by clicking HERE