Friday 16 March 2018 09:02, UK
Manchester City's recent disciplinary record has caused 'extreme concern', an independent panel ruled.
The Football Association has published reasons for the club's £50,000 fine for failing to control their players during last month's surprise FA Cup defeat at Wigan.
An independent regulatory commission disclosed it was not serious enough to impose a points deduction in the Premier League, despite a third similar charge in 14 months.
City were fined after incidents against Chelsea in December 2016, and Liverpool in March 2017.
The panel revealed: "The Commission Members were extremely concerned about the recent frequency of breaches by the club considering they had no such incidents on their five season record prior to December 2016.
"These antecedents were considered a serious aggravating factor although not to the level to consider the deduction of points."
The commission, led by chairman Peter Powell, reviewed a video of the incident 'a number of times' and considered a 'helpful' letter from the club and referee Anthony Taylor.
An initial fine of £75,000 was deemed appropriate due to the behaviour of Sergio Aguero and David Silva towards Taylor.
The panel noted the offence had been "… aggravated by the players, notably Mr Aguero and Mr Silva touching or pulling the referee in an extremely insistent manner".
The fine was reduced to £50,000 after City admitted the charge as soon as possible and took steps to 'ensure better behaviour'.
