Sunderland fined by FA over conduct of players Sunderland were today handed a £30,000 fine by the Football Association after a misconduct charge was found to be proven. The charge related to the conduct of the Sunderland players towards referee Phil Dowd during the 3-3 draw at Manchester City on March 31. The Staffordshire official awarded a controversial penalty in the 43rd minute after adjudging Craig Gardner had fouled City striker Edin Dzeko in the area. In the immediate aftermath, several Sunderland players crowded round Dowd to voice their disapproval. That prompted an FA charge, and the game's governing body today confirmed the Wearsiders, who denied the charge, had been fined as well as warned to their future conduct.