Bristol City will be without Mark Sykes for the next four games after a case of violent conduct was brought by the Football Association.
The suspension relates to an incident in the 81st minute of Sunday's defeat at Swansea City. It was not seen by the officials live, but the Irishman was later charged by the FA. The 25-year-old contested the charge, but an independent regulatory commission did not agree and he has been banned.
With City trailing 2-0 with less than 10 minutes to go, Sykes was cynically fouled by Joel Piroe and the FA deemed that Sykes then kicked out at Ryan Manning after falling to the deck. Sykes and Manning confronted each other but referee Jeremy Simpson took no action.
The summer signing from Oxford United has impressed on the right flank this season with four goals in 32 appearances, but he will miss four matches due to this being his second suspension of the season. He was sent off in the Robins' 2-0 win over Luton Town in August and missed three games as a result.
Sykes, who is currently on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, will miss the games against Reading, Stoke City, Middlesbrough and Watford. He is set to be available for the clash with promotion-chasing Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on April 18.
"The midfielder’s behaviour was not seen by the match officials at the time, but it was caught on camera, and the FA subsequently alleged that it constitutes violent conduct," an FA spokesman said.
"Mark Sykes denied the charge against him, but it was found to be proven by an independent regulatory commission following a hearing and a four-match suspension applies.
"The standard punishment for violent conduct is a three-match suspension. However, a four-match suspension applies in this case as Mark Sykes was sent off earlier this season."
Sykes was an unused substitute for Ireland last night as they beat Latvia 3-2 at the Aviva Stadium in a friendly. Former City winger Callum O'Dowda scored the opener.
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