The Football Association have charged Norwich City and Sunderland following an aggressive confrontation between players and staff of the two teams during Saturday's match at Carrow Road.

Eastern Daily Press: Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce in the thick of it as tempers flare during the Barclays Premier League match at Carrow Road, Norwich. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images LtdSunderland manager Sam Allardyce in the thick of it as tempers flare during the Barclays Premier League match at Carrow Road, Norwich. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+447814 482222)

The incident happened in the fourth minute of City's 3-0 loss to the Black Cats, after Canaries winger Robbie Brady shoved visiting full-back DeAndre Yedlin into a pitch-side advertising board as they challenged for the ball in front of the dug-outs.

Although the American defender escaped unharmed the shove prompted an angry response from Sunderland coaches and saw several players from both teams get involved.

Black Cats manager Sam Allardyce was also seen clearly shoving Norwich substitute Cameron Jerome during the confrontation – during a match which was broadcast live on BT Sport.

The FA have released a statement this afternoon, which says: 'It is alleged that in or around the fourth minute of the fixture, both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

'Norwich and Sunderland have until 6pm on 21 April 2016 to respond to the charge.'

After the match Allardyce was asked about the incident by reporters and said: ''I was a bit disappointed the fourth official didn't stop the Norwich players encroaching into my technical area.

'I was protecting my box and my players at the time. I got a bit carried away, there was a lot of emotion in the game.

'It was such a big game and I don't know why they came running over as much as they did but I was going to protect my players and mob.

'I hope Andre Marriner (referee) doesn't get a ticking off for not doing more with me, I just got him out the way.

'In the end he said 'calm down, will you?' I said It would try my best. I didn't know I still had that strength!'