Both Villa and rivals Blues were charged with failing to control their players following a brief flashpoint caused by Maikel Kieftenbeld’s fifth-minute challenge on Jack Grealish, for which the German was shown a yellow card.Smith described the FA’s decision to take retrospective action against the clubs as “inconsistent and harsh”.He said: “Yes, there were players around the referee but I’m surprised there has been a charge because it’s inconsistent.“Every time I watch games on TV, there’s three or more players around the referee contesting decisions. Not all charges are put up.“Unfortunately ourselves and Birmingham, after I thought both sets of players kept a lid on it during the game and that was the only flashpoint. To be charged is very harsh and inconsistent.”Blues boss Garry Monk agreed, saying: “In terms of the charge against the players and Aston Villa’s players I was surprised to see it if I’m honest.“When you actually look at it I don’t think it’s an incident that’s worthy of that charge at all.”
It is the same as the offence is going on the pitch, the assault is a police matter against the individual. Is how I understand it to be.