• Three players from Bradford and two from Crawley dismissed • 'I can't believe this has happened,' says Phil Parkinson

Five players were sent off in the dressing rooms following a post-match brawl that disfigured Crawley Town's 2-1 win at Bradford, whose manager Phil Parkinson promised heavy fines to any of his players who threw punches.

Three Bradford players – Andrew Davies, Luke Oliver and the goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin – were dismissed by Iain Williamson, who also sent off the Crawley pair of Kyle McFadzean and substitute Claude Davis.

Six Crawley players and one from Bradford had earlier been booked during an ill-tempered match. Davies is set for a five-match ban having been sent off twice already this season.

Parkinson said: "The referee seems very clear in his mind what went on and that is the reason he took the action he did in the dressing rooms. Until I see the DVD it is difficult to comment but the sendings off leave us with lots of problems, to say the least.

"We know what Crawley bring in terms of an intimidating approach before, during and after matches. You have to make sure you don't get involved. Both clubs have paid a heavy price. I can't believe this has happened. I have never been in a situation before where a ref has come into the dressing room, pulled players on one side and sent them off. He wouldn't allow me in there. I will look at the DVD and if any of my players are guilty of throwing punches they will pay heavy fines."

The Crawley manager, Steve Evans, said: "I only saw the Bradford player Andrew Davies run towards my players and throw a punch. I think it was handbags with a lot of pushing and shoving but it was disappointing to see. If people have acted out of turn they need to be dealt with.

"The fourth official confirmed to me that the Bradford boy Davies ran and punched somebody. Then there was a mass of bodies who had initially come together to shake hands. It is a shame because it takes away from what was an outstanding performance."