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Blackburn Rovers midfielder Steven N’Zonzi hit with violent conduct charge by the FA
The 22-year-old has accepted the punishment after an incident with Ryan Shawcross during Saturday's clash with Stoke City, and will serve an immediate three-match suspension
29 Nov 2011 17:54:00
By Joe Wright
Blackburn Rovers midfielder Steven N’Zonzi has been hit with a charge of violent conduct by the FA following an incident with Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross.
The Frenchman was seen to land an elbow on the Potters’ defender during his side’s 3-1 defeat at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
The altercation was missed by the match officials but was caught by TV cameras, along with two other unpunished moments when N’Zonzi seemed to raise his arms against opposition players.
The 22-year-old, who has admitted the charge, will now serve a three-match suspension effective immediately, which will rule him out of Rovers’ encounters with Swansea, Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion.
The timing of the charge could hardly be worse for Blackburn boss Steve Kean, whose side currently sit rock-bottom of the Premier League following their defeat and Wigan Athletic’s victory over Sunderland at the weekend.
The next three matches could prove crucial to the future of Kean, who has endured weeks of protests from amongst the Ewood Park faithful demanding he be removed from his post.
N’Zonzi has been ever-present for his side in the Premier League this season, but has frequently walked the disciplinary tight-rope and has already amassed six yellow cards so far this campaign.
Blackburn take on Cardiff City in a League Cup quarter-final on Tuesday evening.
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The Frenchman was seen to land an elbow on the Potters’ defender during his side’s 3-1 defeat at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
The altercation was missed by the match officials but was caught by TV cameras, along with two other unpunished moments when N’Zonzi seemed to raise his arms against opposition players.
The 22-year-old, who has admitted the charge, will now serve a three-match suspension effective immediately, which will rule him out of Rovers’ encounters with Swansea, Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion.
The timing of the charge could hardly be worse for Blackburn boss Steve Kean, whose side currently sit rock-bottom of the Premier League following their defeat and Wigan Athletic’s victory over Sunderland at the weekend.
The next three matches could prove crucial to the future of Kean, who has endured weeks of protests from amongst the Ewood Park faithful demanding he be removed from his post.
N’Zonzi has been ever-present for his side in the Premier League this season, but has frequently walked the disciplinary tight-rope and has already amassed six yellow cards so far this campaign.
Blackburn take on Cardiff City in a League Cup quarter-final on Tuesday evening.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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