Swansea City coach Alan Tate is being investigated by the FA following a clash with Birmingham City midfielder Jon Toral.
The incident at the Liberty Stadium occurred as both teams made their way off the pitch at half-time of Saturday’s encounter, which finished 0-0.
Tate, who also played 293 times for the Swans across three spells at the club as a player, confronted Toral and appeared to grab the former Arsenal player by the throat, which caused Toral to fall to the floor.
It is not clear what caused Toral to confront Tate or what was said to produce the reaction.
Alan Tate Investigated By FA After Jon Toral Clash
What the Managers Said
Birmingham manager Aitor Karanka told reporters after the game: “I didn’t see anything because I was in the tunnel. The only thing I told the players at half-time was to forget what happened.
“I don’t care what happened – the players showed their spirit on the pitch. If the referee has seen something and not done anything then I don’t think he’s doing his job.”
Swansea boss Steve Cooper was also keen to play down the incident, with the result leaving the Welsh side as one of the six teams with four points following the opening two games of the season.
He said: “It certainly didn’t carry on down the tunnel because I went down there. Afterwards, it was fine – no dramas.”
If found guilty of violent conduct,t Tate, who helped Swansea to reach the Championship play-offs last season, could face a touchline ban for the incident.
The goalless draw leaves both sides on four points after their two games – Birmingham having beaten promotion hopefuls Brentford on the opening day while Swansea were victorious away at Alex Neil’s Preston North End.
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