The Football Association has charged Sunderland with failing to control their players during the weekend's Premier League clash with Manchester City.
Black Cats players surrounded referee Phil Dowd after Craig Gardner's challenge on Edin Dzeko with the match official awarding a penalty.
Mario Balotelli scored from the spot as City came from behind to record a 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium and Sunderland have since been charged by the FA.
"Sunderland have today [Wednesday 4th April] been charged by the FA for failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion," read a statement on the FA's official website.
Sunderland have until 4pm on 11th April to respond to the charge.
