Watford captain Troy Deeney has been banned for three games after admitting a charge of violent conduct.
Deeney tangled with Stoke’s Joe Allen during Saturday’s clash at Vicarage Road and his misconduct was not seen by the referee or other match officials, but was caught on video.
The striker was seen pressing his fingers into Allen’s face after a melee started when Deeney refused to give Stoke’s players the ball back when they had put it out for a throw-in to treat an injured player.
Allen and Deeney squared up and a number of other team-mates on both sides got involved, leading to Watford and Stoke being charged for failing to control their players.
A panel of three former match officials reviewed the footage independently and unanimously agreed to charge Deeney, one he admitted meaning he serves an immediate ban.
Deeney will miss the Premier League matches against Everton, West Ham and Newcastle and will not be eligible to return until the home date with Manchester United on November 28.