Six-match ban for Bowyer

Leeds United AFC midfield player Lee Bowyer has been banned for six matches by the Football Association (FA) after being found guilty of violent conduct and of using foul and abusive language in two separate incidents.

Further suspensions
The FA said that Bowyer was also fined €16,300 while team-mate Danny Mills was banned for two games and fined €12,200 for using foul and abusive language. Leeds also currently have England striker Alan Smith suspended for five games and he and fellow striker Mark Viduka face further FA disciplinary hearings on 7 March.

Elbowing incident
Bowyer's suspension consists of two separate three-game punishments. The violent conduct charge related to an elbowing incident with Gary McAllister during Leeds's FA Cup fourth-round game against Liverpool FC in January 2001. The second ban and fine were punishment for the players' abuse towards match officials after he was sent off in an FA Premiership match against Arsenal FC at Highbury on 21 August.

March returns
Mills, who is halfway through a four-match ban, was also punished for abusing the referee after he was sent off in the same match at Highbury last summer. Bowyer is ruled out of action until 30 March, when Leeds play Manchester United FC, while Mills will not be available until 17 March, when they tackle Blackburn Rovers FC.

England matches
Because of the bans, neither player will be considered for England's friendly international against the Netherlands on 13 February and both look unlikely to be involved in the friendly against Italy on 27 March - a game which will be played at their own Elland Road stadium.