READING FC duo Paul McShane and Danny Williams could face further punishment for their on-field bust-up after being charged by the Football Association, writes Anthony Smith.

The pair were charged with violent conduct this afternoon after the FA reviewed video evidence of their confrontation at Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

Skipper McShane and midfielder Williams squared up to each other on the pitch during the latter stages of the 2-1 defeat.

Both have been fined and disciplined by Reading boss Brian McDermott, but there could be further recriminations from the FA.

Referee Scott Duncan and his assistants missed the ugly, off-the-ball incident at the time.

But it was caught by television cameras and referred to a panel of three former elite referees who reviewed the footage before making a unanimous decision to press charges.

Both players have until 6pm tomorrow to respond.

If the charges are upheld, McShane and Williams could both be banned for three matches.

McShane told this morning's press conference that he and Williams had patched up any differences and that there were 'no hard feelings' lingering over.

Boss Brian McDermott missed the clash in real time but has since watched a video of the incident.

“I saw it yesterday for the first time,” he explained. “I was asked a question [about it] directly after the game, but I was watching Garath McCleary at the time because he was on the floor.

“I have since spoken with Paul and Danny. Football is a high-octane game and we all want to win, those players on the pitch wanted to win.

“I happened, it's done and it's been dealt with. Now we move on to Leeds this Saturday.”

McDermott added: “We're all human beings. Does it disappoint me? Look, these things happen, this is life.

“A lot worse things go on in life. Yes, we completely understand what happened is not acceptable and the boys have apologised.

“Now we have to deal with it in the best way we possibly can.

“Paul and Danny have spoken and there is no problem. I've spoken with both players, in fact I spoke to Paul for 45 minutes yesterday.

“In a funny way, trauma sometimes brings people closer together, that's how I would see it.”

McDermott was involved in a curt exchange of views with BBC Radio Berkshire's Reading FC correspondent, Tim Dellor, during his post-match interview after the 2-1 defeat at the Riverside.

And Royals boss apologised for the way it came across to listeners.

“I spoke to Tim after Tuesday's game when his opening question was 'same old story,'” he recalled.

“I wasn't pleased with my reaction and I apologise for that.

“But I want to win and do the best I can for Reading going forward.

“I don't look back on that interview with any great joy, and I learn from that myself.”

He continued: “Perhaps Tim's question could have been worded differently, but I wasn't proud of myself.”