FA fines Manchester City for failure to control players vs. Liverpool

Manchester City has been fined £35,000 by the English Football Association (FA) for a breach of player conduct against Liverpool, with the club admitting to the charge of "failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion."

The FA announced the decision with a statement on its website Monday.

The punishment stems from an incident during last Sunday's 1-1 draw at the Etihad, after Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino was brought down in the area by City full-back Gael Clichy. Incensed by the penalty call, several City players surrounded match official Michael Oliver before James Milner calmly slotted home the spot-kick.

Clichy was shown a yellow card for the foul, while midfield metronome David Silva was also cautioned for protesting the call.

This is Pep Guardiola's second fine of the season for player misconduct, as the club was also docked £35,000 in December for a similar infraction during its match with Chelsea. The Blues were fined £100,000 for their role, as Sergio Aguero's horror tackle on David Luiz sparked a touchline brawl, with Fernandinho grabbing Cesc Fabregas by the neck among the incidents during the Dec. 3 clash at the Etihad.