Birmingham and Aston Villa punished for failing to control their players in the Second City derby
Friday 15 March 2019 12:38, UK
Garry Monk has spoken of his 'surprise' at the FA charges handed to Birmingham and Aston Villa after last weekend's Second City derby.
Both teams have been charged with failing to control their players in a fiery encounter which also saw Villa's Jack Grealish assaulted by a spectator.
And although Monk wholeheartedly agrees with the punishment the individual, Paul Mitchell, received, he does not agree on both sets of players also being punished.
"The way the club responded straight away and working with the right authorities, we all agree with the punishment the individual has received," he said.
"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."
However, Monk insists the off-the-pitch issues will not take the focus away from his side's trip to in-form Preston North End this weekend.
"Of course it's not ideal but these things are there for you to deal with," Monk added.
"There's no turning away from it but I think what we've tried to do is try not to let everything out of our control distract us."
