Villa fined over pitch invasions

Aston Villa have been fined £200,000 ($315,000) after pitch invasions and crowd trouble marred the end of their FA Cup quarterfinal win over West Bromwich Albion.

Some Albion players were jostled and taunted during the invasions, prompting Villa to issue an apology saying the victory had been "marred by the actions of those who could not control themselves".

West Brom manager Tony Pulis criticised the stewarding at Villa Park and said his players' safety was in jeopardy.

Some West Brom fans were also involved in incidents including a number of seats being ripped off and thrown onto the pitch.

The FA said in a statement: "Aston Villa have been fined £200,000 after admitting spectator misconduct in relation to their FA Cup Sixth Round tie against West Bromwich Albion on 7 March 2015.