Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce says he was just protecting his ‘mob’ in Norwich dug-out fracas
Robbie Bradys challenge sent DeAndre Yedlin head first into the advertising hoardings, which sparked a furious response from the Sunderland manager and bench. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Norwich and Sunderland play for the Friendship Trophy whenever they meet, a tradition stemming back from the 1985 League Cup final between the sides.
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce pushed Norwich City players during the fracas at Carrow Road. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
But there was nothing remotely amicable about Norwich's 3-0 loss to Sunderland on Saturday, with tempers boiling over virtually straight from the kick-off after Robbie Brady's challenge sent DeAndre Yedlin head first into the advertising hoardings.
Players and staff from both sides squared up in front of the dug-out with Allardyce in the thick of it, shoving Norwich's Jonny Howson and Cameron Jerome in ugly scenes which could land both clubs an FA charge.
'I got a bit carried away, but the Norwich players were encroaching my box - I was always going to protect my players and my mob,' added Allardyce, who also insisted he saw nothing untoward after the game amid rumours of a tunnel bust-up.
The incident could land both clubs with a charge from the FA. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Players and the benches from both sides involved in the touch line melee. Photo: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
