Walsall kit man and pitch-side announcer charged by FA for ‘acting in an improper manner’

WALSALL kitman Dave Joyce and pitch-side announcer Simon Hill have both been charged with misconduct by the FA.

The pair allegedly acted in an “improper manner” in stoppage time during Walsall’s 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra in League Two on Saturday.

With both sides pushing for a winner, a stoppage-time scuffle broke out when staff refused to give the ball back after it went out of play.

Walsall kitman Joyce was sent off by referee Stephen Parkinson for the touchline melee.

The ref then turned to book Crewe boss Lee Bell and Saddlers defender Liam Gordon.

An : “It’s alleged that David Joyce and Simon Hill acted in an improper manner around the 98th minute, and both of them have until November 18 to respond.”

Omar Bogle opened the scoring for Crewe in the 66th minute when he crept in behind the Walsall defence to slot past Tommy Simkin.

The home side equalised through Nathan Lowe with five minutes of normal time remaining before tempers flared in the closing stages.

Tensions arose as both sides are pushing for promotion to League One, with Walsall sitting second and Crewe inside the play-off places.

Mat Sadler’s side are three points adrift of league leaders Port Vale, but do have a game in hand.

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Walsall will not be in action this weekend, though, after their home clash with Gillingham was postponed due to international call-ups.

Meanwhile, Crewe are back in action on Saturday as they host a huge clash against Notts County, who currently sit third.