Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has accepted a three-match suspension following his clash with Ryan Shawcross on Saturday.
Fellaini was charged with violent conduct by the Football Association for head-butting Shawcross during the second half of Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw at the Britannia Stadium.
An FA statement confirmed no action will be taken over two further clashes, when Fellaini twice raised his hands in frustration at being held by his marker as the pair awaited corners.
Referee Mark Halsey saw both incidents at the time and decided neither was worthy of punishment.
Fellaini will start his suspension with immediate effect, ruling him out of the forthcoming games against West Ham, Wigan and Chelsea.
The Belgian, who apologised immediately after Saturday's game, is also likely to be fined by his club after manager David Moyes publicly condemned his player in a post-match interview. Don't miss any live and exclusive football coverage this festive season. Click to visit Sky Sports' Festive Calendar
what do you think?
Paul Walsh
Obviously all footballers are above the law and therefore cant be charged with any assault that occurs in front of thousands of witnesses!!!
Lorgar Aurelian
I don't like Fellaini as a player and he should have got a heavier ban, but Stoke are fine ones to complain about it. Fact is a foul should have been given against Shawcross in the first incident on Fellaini before he nutted him.
Jamie ONeill
Our guys at Stoke play hard and tackle hard. We dont have as much quality as most but we do the best with what we have. It's quite the opposite, Lorgar. We are perceived to be a dirty team (unfairly a lot of the time) and as a result, receive a disproportionate amount of cards. If the ref has missed a foul, it doesn't give Fallaini the right to throw his toys out of the pram and take it into his own hands.
Rob Shaw
3 match ban. A member of the general public would of had to appear in court if they did the same. Disgrace
Vladtheinhaler .
6:45pm on 17/12/2012
Errr. What about the law in this land of ours. Surely he will be charged with assault ??? Are the police blind, only to be there when someone is speeding, or drunk, coming out of a pub !!!