Smith banned over bottle-throwing incident

Leeds striker Alan Smith has been banned for two matches by the FA over a bottle-throwing incident in October.

Leeds striker Alan Smith has been banned for two matches by the FA over a bottle-throwing incident in October.

Smith threw a plastic bottle back into the crowd during Leeds' Carling Cup defeat by Manchester United at Elland Road on October 28th.

His ban is due to start on January 26th, ruling him out of the home clash with Middlesbrough on January 31 and the trip to Aston Villa on February 7th.

A Leeds statement read: "The club are disappointed as is Alan. Leeds United feel the player has been very harshly treated over the whole matter."

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The 23-year-old England international admitted a charge of improper conduct at a disciplinary hearing, the FA said on its official website.

The incident was at the centre of Smith's controversial withdrawal from an England squad in November. Smith was arrested by police over the incident on November 13th, prompting the FA to drop him from the England squad for a friendly against Denmark hours after calling him up as a late replacement.

Smith was released without charge by police and the FA has since announced a review of its international selection procedures.

The combative striker will be sorely missed by cash-strapped Leeds, who are second from bottom of the premier league.