CHAIRMAN Paul Scally and player-manager Andy Hessenthaler have both escaped disciplinary action following stormy scenes at the end of Gillingham's 4-2 win at Brighton on Saturday.

Contrary to speculation, neither have been reported to the Football League by referee Mark Cooper who was at the centre of controversy after ordering off Mark Saunders and Kevin James.

Hessenthaler clashed with the Walsall official at the final whistle while Mr Scally was waiting for him in the tunnel where a sharp exchange took place.

A Football League spokesman said: "The referee's report is still awaited but we are not expecting any further action to be taken against Mr Scally or Mr Hessenthaler."

He did confirm there had been what he described as a "slight incident" in the tunnel.

Hessenthaler is believed to have defused the situation by phoning the referee on Sunday and apologising. Speaking for the first time since the match, Mr Cooper, who is in his third season on the Nationwide League list, said: "I have sent a report to the Football League but I'm not prepared to reveal its contents."

He added: "I'm bound to say the papers have made a mountain out of a molehill in reporting the game. I sent off the first Gillingham player for violent conduct and the second for diving into the crowd. If the Football League want to comment further then that's up to them."