Colchester United have been fined £10,000 by the Football Association for their part in an on-the-pitch brawl.

The U's have been handed the hefty fine following the reckless tackle by Tony Lock on Wycombe Wanderers' Alan Beeton 12 minutes from the end of the goalless draw at Layer Road in November, which resulted in a mini-brawl involving a number of players from both clubs.

U's chief executive Marie Partner simply said: "It's over now and we accept it."

Referee Roger Furnandiz initially failed to report the incident as he was unsure how many players were involved in the brawl, which was subdued in a matter of seconds.

Wycombe have been fined the same amount while striker Lock, currently serving a long and drawn out seven-match suspension, has since been slapped on the free transfer list after being red carded in that match and the subsequent reserve team game against Norwich City two days later.

Out of favour full-back Joe Keith has been placed on the transfer list at his own request. Whitton said: "Joe is unhappy at not getting into the squad."

It is believed Third Division Darlington have already made an inquiry for him, but he is not interested in a move to the north east.

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