Friday 24 February 2017 14:10, UK
Blackburn midfielder Hope Akpan has been given a four-game ban for pushing referee Scott Duncan during Rovers' defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.
Rovers have also been fined £5,000 by the Football Association for failing to control their players after Akpan had a late equaliser disallowed for handball.
The incident occurred when Akpan was sent off after complaining about the referee's decision to disallow his goal for handball.
Akpan's dismissal incurred an automatic three-match suspension but the FA brought an extra charge of violent conduct against the player.
An FA statement read: "Blackburn Rovers player Hope Akpan will serve a four-match suspension with immediate effect following the game against Sheffield Wednesday on 14 February 2017.
"It was alleged his behaviour in or around the 87th minute of the game constituted violent conduct in circumstances where the standard punishment of three matches would be clearly insufficient.
"He denied the charge, however, it was found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.
"An additional one match suspension was added to the standard punishment the player is already serving following his dismissal.
"In relation to the same game, Blackburn have been fined £5,000 after the club admitted a charge of failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion in the 87th minute and accepted the standard penalty."
Akpan missed the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Ewood Park in the FA Cup last weekend and will be banned for the next three Sky Bet Championship games, against Burton, Derby and Wigan.
