Football
PA Sport 7y

Blackburn's Hope Akpan gets four-game ban for pushing referee

Blackburn midfielder Hope Akpan has been given a four-game ban for pushing referee Scott Duncan during the 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, the FA has confirmed.

The incident, which happened after Akpan had a late equaliser disallowed for handball, also saw Rovers fined £5,000 by the Football Association for failing to control their players.

Akpan's dismissal incurred an automatic three-match suspension but the FA brought an extra charge of violent conduct against him.

"Blackburn Rovers player Hope Akpan will serve a four-match suspension with immediate effect following the game against Sheffield Wednesday on 14 February 2017," an FA statement said.

"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."

Akpan began his suspension when Manchester United visited Ewood Park in the FA Cup last weekend, and will now miss Blackburn's next three Championship games against Burton, Derby and Wigan.

^ Back to Top ^