Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha banned for one match over offensive gesture

Future Manchester United player made gesture at Leeds fans

Wilfried Zaha has been watched several times by Arsenal’s chief scout (Getty Images)

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has been banned for one match by the Football Association for making an offensive gesture towards Leeds fans.

The npower Championship club revealed on their website that 20-year-old Zaha has also been fined £3,000 for the incident which happened during the 2-2 draw between the sides on March 9.

Zaha, who in January agreed a move to Leeds' historic rivals Manchester United, was photographed appearing to raise his middle finger towards the away supporters.

He apologised afterwards on Twitter, saying: "I...wanted to apologise for the gesture I did towards the Leeds fans in yesterday's game. Very unprofessional from me."

Zaha attended a personal hearing today and was handed the suspension which will keep him out of next Friday's home game against Birmingham.

Palace boss Ian Holloway accepted a charge of misconduct towards the match officials following the same game and was last week fined £2,000.

PA