MARK Cooper was quick to laugh off the incident which saw goalkeeping coach Fraser Digby sent to the stands during Swindon’s 5-2 win over Port Vale.

Vale striker Lee Hughes went to retrieve the ball after it went out for a throw close to the Town bench, and while legendary former Swindon stopper Digby was accused of holding onto the ball the visiting forward appeared to raise his feet in an attempt to get it back.

Hughes only received a yellow card while Digby was asked to leave the bench, but Cooper was keen to see the funny side of the incident which involved almost every player and coach of either side.

“The ball went into the dugout and the ball went right under the back seats, Fraser is trying to retrieve it and Lee has steamed in trying to get it back,” Cooper said. “A melee ensued and it was fun. “It’s the first time I’ve had a rumble for a few years and it was fun, it brightened the day up. It then probably sparked us on a little bit more.

“I asked the referee to send him off because his banter is terrible on the bench, and he is now helping us with our Christmas do so his fine will go down very well.

“He’s a competitor and he wants to get the ball back and he wants to win, and I don’t put any blame on him.”