Manchester United goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara has been suspended for six games for allegedly biting an opponent.
The 23-year-old, who is on loan to League One club Burton, was accused of biting Sammie Szmodics of Peterborough in a 1-1 draw last weekend.
O’Hara was found guilty of violent driving by the Football Association and fined £ 2,500.
Before the ban was announced, Burton boss Nigel Clough admitted he was surprised by the FA charge.
He said, “Unfortunately, the way the system works, he is almost guilty until proven innocent, once they have laid this charge.
“Kieran argued that everyone now knows that he has been charged, but there is less publicity if you are found innocent.
“I think there is a good argument for saying, maybe, keeping these things internally and then announcing if he’s guilty after that.” Once out, it can taint a player.
“We have made our case. Peterborough did not chase him. It literally comes from the arbitrator, who must report it when the allegation is made, and the FA has chosen to accuse him. “
O’Hara, who has been overtaken by the Republic of Ireland, has played 42 games with Burton this season.
He has been on loan seven times since joining Manchester United in 2012.