Sunderland defender Michael Turner given four-match ban
The FA was unhappy Turner launched an appeal over his red card
Sunderland defender Michael Turner has been handed a hefty four-match suspension after he was sent off against Manchester City on Saturday.
The 25-year-old was sent off in injury time of Sunderland's 4-3 defeat for catching City midfielder Gareth Barry with an elbow in an aerial challenge.
The Football Association added an extra game to the ban for wasting their time.
The FA has also asked Sunderland manager Steve Bruce to explain his comments after the game.
Bruce, who has until 31 December to respond to the FA's request, had asked referee Andre Mariner to look at Turner's red card again.
"I hope he [referee Andre Mariner] can have a look at it and he can see it was a shuddering challenge between two of the most honest professionals you are going to get.
"Michael Turner got higher. That is the only reason he has caught Gareth Barry.
"You have got to raise your elbows when you are jumping for a ball. I might as well tell my centre-half not to head it next week because he might get sent off.
"I hope the referee looks at it again. I doubt it, though."
The FA said Turner's appeal over the red card had had "no prospect of success" - hence its decision to add a game to the normal three-match suspension.
The ban rules Turner out of the three Premier League games against Everton, Blackburn and Bolton as well as the FA Cup tie against non-league Barrow.
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