Scotland captain Colin Hendry had a six-match international ban halved today by world governing body FIFA, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) said.
Hendry, 35, was suspended for six matches on April 26 after an incident with a San Marino player during Scotland's 4-0 European group six World Cup qualifier win at Hampden Park on March 28.
"We could not condone his actions but the punishment was excessive," said SFA chief executive David Taylor. "The incident has now been put into a proper perspective."
Television pictures showed Hendry's elbow connecting with the throat of San Marino's Nicola Albani as the pair clashed in the penalty area while waiting for a corner. His appeal against the ban was supported by the Scottish Football Association.
Albani, an 18-year-old student, was taken from the field on a stretcher.