READING FC and Nottingham Forest have both been charged by the FA for a serious bust-up during last weekend’s fiery Championship fixture.

A late tackle by Forest striker Daryl Murphy on John Swift sparked ugly scenes as players from both sides clashed on the pitch.

Referee Oliver Langford booked Murphy for the reckless challenge in the 62nd minute before yellow carding Jack Robinson, who went on to score an own goal in Reading’s 2-0 victory.

Royals skipper Liam Moore and right-back Andy Yiadom also picked up yellow cards after jumping to Swift’s defence.

And Forest skipper Danny Fox was booked for a second time for his part in the flare up and subsequently sent off.

The Football Association confirmed last night both clubs have been charged as they ‘failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion’ during the incident.

Reading and Nottingham Forest have until 6pm this Friday to respond to the charges.

While both clubs could be hit with fines, many praised Jose Gomes’ Royals for refusing to back down against the visitors, who arrived at Madejski Stadium without a permanent manager following the surprise departure of Aitor Karanca.

Caretaker boss Simon Ireland later told the media that Fox should have known better.

“For an experienced player like Danny [Fox] to get involved in an argument, when already on a yellow card, was disappointing,” he said. “He was a bit naive.”

Fox’s first yellow came just eight minutes into the match after another heavy challenge on playmaker Swift, who went on to give Royals the lead midway through the first half.

In all, Forest picked up five yellow cards and finished with nine men as Tendayi Darikwa received a straight red for a studs-up challenge on teenage substitute Danny Loader in the 83rd minute.

Royals had three booked in total including Omar Richards for a tackle on Joe Lolley in the first half.

The FA statement said: “Reading and Nottingham Forest have been charged following their league match on 12/01/2019.

“It is alleged that they failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 62nd minute. Both clubs have until 18:00 on 18/01/19 to respond to the charge.”

Both clubs can contest the charges and are likely to receive a fine and warning.