Turner handed four-match ban

[marty davidson]

Michael Turner been told he will serve a four-match ban for his red card against Manchester City last weekend.

The Sunderland centre-back was given his marching orders for using his arm in a challenge with Gareth Barry but chose to appeal as he thought referee Andre Marriner's punishment was too excessive.

But on Tuesday an FA independent regulatory commission dismissed the claim and added a game to the normal three-match suspension.

The ban takes immediate effect which means the 26-year-old will miss the Boxing Day clash with Everton.

An FA statement read: "Turner claimed that the standard punishment is clearly excessive, but this was rejected by the commission and the defender will now receive a four-match ban - increased by one game as the commission felt the claim had no prospect of success."

The FA also confirmed they had written to Black Cats manager Steve Bruce to request he explain comments made to the waiting media immediately after the match at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Bruce has until 31st December to respond.

Zenden in contention
In better news for the club though, Bolo Zenden will be fit to face the Toffees.

The 33-year-old had been struggling with a hamstring problem but Bruce revealed he would be in contention.

He told the club's official website: "Bolo has trained with us for the last two or three days and he is fine."

Sky Sports | Football News | Premier League | Sunderland | Turner handed four-match ban

It was a never a red card tbh. The Fa are a joke handing him a 4 match ban for nothing

[AdaamMUFC]

The FA are an absolute joke!
I was at this game on Saturday and it was defiantely not intentional and not worth a red card

[yesuka]

Come on he just jumped up with his elbow little high. What about Fellainis Elbow??? he hits atleast 5 or 6 players every ,match

[lucretius]

i don't think it was a straight red. from the angle i saw on tv, it looked like he was watching the ball. i don't blame sunderland for appealing so i have some sympathy with their situation, adding an extra match was excessive

[Owenzy]

He's on my fantasy footie team!