THREE Bolton players were disciplined by the club for their part in the mass brawl that became known as the Battle of Burnden.

The identity of the trio or the punishment meted out has not been revealed but Wanderers' prompt action could well have saved them from having league points deducted.

Instead they were fined heavily when they appeared alongside Wolves at yesterday's FA Disciplinary Commission in London to answer charges of "misconduct" and "failing to control their players".

The FA looked at video evidence of the third minute brawl that marred the January 18 top of the table clash, after a report by referee David Allison. The flare-up followed an off-the-ball clash between Wanderers' Republic of Ireland international John Sheridan and Wolves' former England man Geoff Thomas.

Wanderers, who won the game 3-0, were considered the more culpable. They received a £40,000 fine - £30,000 of which was suspended until the end of next season. Wolves were fined £30,000, £22,500 suspended under the same conditions.

FA spokesman Steve Double said: "Bolton, in mitigation, said they had taken disciplinary action against some of their players. Wolves apologised and said their players had been warned about the need to avoid future confrontations.

"The commission felt the incident was unsavoury and showed the game in a bad light but there was no real violence."

Wanderers boss Colin Todd confirmed: "We disciplined three players in line with club policy and that, plus our good disciplinary record, was considered by the hearing.

"We had an idea what the consequences would be because of the punishment handed out to Norwich and Crystal Palace recently after a similar incident.

"But we had a fair hearing. We'll just have to keep our noses clean from now on but the players know that anyway."

The FA have warned that the fines will be activated in whole or in part if the clubs are found guilty of similar offences during the period of the suspension.

Todd was accompanied at the hearing by his chairman, Gordon Hargreaves and chief executive, Des McBain. Wolves were represented by chairman Jonathan Hayward, secretary Richard Skirrow and manager Mark McGhee.

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