NEWPORT County AFC have been fined for failing to control their players after Scot Bennett’s red card against Grimsby.

The Exiles and the Mariners have both been hit with a £1,000 fine for the incident in the League Two clash at Rodney Parade at the start of the month.

Bennett was dismissed for a late challenge on Grimsby’s Stefan Payne in the 36th minute. County went on to win 1-0 thanks to Nicky Maynard’s debut goal early in the second half.

A statement from the FA said: “Newport County ACF and Grimsby Town FC have both been fined £1,000 after they admitted a charge for a breach of FA Rule E20 and accepted the standard penalty.

“Both clubs failed to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 36th minute of their EFL League Two game on Saturday 6 February 2021.”

It is the second time this season that County have been punished.

They were fined £1,000 for a “mass confrontation” after Josh Sheehan’s last-gasp penalty earned a 1-1 draw at Salford in December.

Home boss Richie Wellens went onto the pitch at the final whistle before a scuffle between players continued towards the tunnel.

The Exiles “failed to ensure that its players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion” with the Ammies having the same sanction.