London, Jun 04: Everton striker Duncan Ferguson has been banned for three matches by the Football Association (FA) for violent behaviour, his club said yesterday.
The 31-year-old Scot, whose punishment will take effect from the start of next season, was found to have deliberately elbowed Aston Villa's Joey Gudjonsson during a match in April, the Everton website said.
The referee did not mention the matter in his report on the Premier League game, but the FA's video review panel made the decision after viewing television pictures.
Ferguson failed to appear in person at the hearing, instead writing a letter in which he said he was not guilty.
Injury problems restricted the former Rangers and Newcastle United player to eight appearances for Everton last season.


Bureau Report