GAZZA HIT WITH BAN
PAUL GASCOIGNE has been banned for three matches and fined £5,000 by The Football Association for his part in an incident involving Aston Villa`s George Boateng.
Villa`s Dutchman fell to the ground, clutching his face, after the clash (pictured) as Gascoigne`s flailing elbow forcefully connected. Ironically, Gascoigne came off worse as he broke his arm.
The suspension starts on March 20 and will delay the former Lazio playmaker`s return from the injury as he pays the price for his St Valentines` Day misdemeanour.
Gascoigne did not attend the hearing in Preston but, through his club, he admitted the charge, confirmed he had apologised by Boateng, and claimed his challenge was merely "clumsy and careless."
In his defence, the controversial footballing icon has often caused offence with his barnstorming style, even though it is usually more borne through enthusiasm than malice.
