Reading manager Steve Coppell has confirmed the club plans to contest Football Association charges relating to Saturday's stormy win over Sheffield United.

Both clubs have been charged with failing to control their players and officials during the 3-1 home win at the Madejski Stadium which saw Blades substitute Keith Gillespie sent off and his manager Neil Warnock sent to the stands along with Royals coach Wally Downes.

Downes has been charged with improper conduct but no further action will be taken against Warnock other than 'reminding him of his responsibilities'.

Coppell made it clear he found the governing body's decisions 'surprising' and that a rigorous defence of the club and Downes was likely to be mounted.

He said: 'It was a surprise - I think that is the best way of putting it. And given the weighting of the charges we would be taking it further. We are not going to plead guilty so we have got to pursue it further.'