Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard was today banned for three matches by the Football Association following his two-footed tackle on Everton's Gary Naysmith in December.
Gerrard had denied the violent conduct charge, which followed his lunge during the 0-0 draw in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on December 22nd, saying he had not intended to hurt theplayer.
The ban rules him out of Wednesday's FA Cup fourth round replay with Crystal Palace, Saturday's Premiership visit of Middlesbrough and the trip to Birmingham on February 23rd.
Gerrard will be eligible for the two legs of the UEFA Cup tie against French side Auxerre as well as the League Cup Final against Manchester United on March 2nd.
He was not fined for the challenge.
The England international has apologised to Naysmith as well as Everton boss David Moyes, and insisted he would "never go out to deliberately hurt an opponent".
Since making his debut against Blackburn in November 1998, Gerrard has been sent off three times and has averaged a yellow card every eight games in his 178 matches.