BOLTON Wanderers could lose vital league points after being charged by the Football Association over the Burnden brawl that marred their clash with promotion rivals Wolves.

Lancaster Gate have confirmed that they have a range of powers to punish the two clubs, including the docking of points.

Usual penalties involve public censure or hefty fines but a spokesman for the FA warned: "It depends on the seriousness of the situation.

"It's impossible at this stage to say how the disciplinary commission will view the matter but its powers are wide-ranging and could involve the deduction of points."

Wanderers, who were not surprised when they were told that charges were being brought, are considering their response.

Chief executive Des McBain said: "The FA have video evidence and can see for themselves what happened. We are reviewing the situation and we will make a decision on how we answer the charges early next week."

Wolves secretary Richard Skirrow said: "We feel unfortunate to be charged at this late stage, so long after the incident happened.

"We don't feel that the actions of our players warranted a charge and we will be defending our position vigorously."

An off-the-ball clash between Wolves' England international Geoff Thomas and Bolton's Republic of Ireland midfielder John Sheridan sparked the ugly brawl in the opening minutes of the January 18 top-of-the-table fixture, the highlights of which were shown on television.

Nobody was sent off or booked and Lancaster referee David Allison said after the match that he would not be including the incident in his report.

He explained at the time: "At two minutes past three I gave a goal kick and all hell broke loose.

"When you're in the middle of players, it's difficult to know who are the aggressors and who are the peacemakers."

But he is understood to have reviewed the flashpoint and the FA say he described the incident as "a mass confrontation involving 18-20 players".

Both sides have been charged under two FA rules, the first relating to misconduct and the second to behaviour of the players. They have 14 days to reply to the charges and ask for a hearing.

Wanderers started today clear leaders of Division One, nine points ahead of second-placed Wolves, who lead Barnsley by a point with Sheffield United, this afternoon's visitors to Burnden, a further four points adrift in fourth place.

Two automatic promotion places are up for grabs with a third available via the play-offs.

The FA have a precedent for deducting points in similar circumstances. Arsenal were docked two points and Manchester United lost one after a mass brawl at Old Trafford in October 1990. Both clubs were also fined £50,000.

Arsenal went on to win the Division One title by seven points.

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