FA explain Turner ban

The Football Association have clarified the reasons behind Sunderland defender Michael Turner receiving a four-match ban after his dismissal against Manchester City.

The 26-year-old received a red card for using his arm on Gareth Barry and appealed against an "excessive" punishment rather than the sending-off itself.

A statement from the FA read: "The FA would like to make it clear that following the player's red card for serious foul play in the recent Manchester City fixture, Sunderland AFC did not appeal against the player's red card.

"Instead, the club utilised a new rule to claim that the standard punishment of three matches for this serious foul play offence was clearly excessive and that it should be reduced.

"This rule was introduced in the summer for truly exceptional cases and, in this instance, the independent regulatory commission - including a former professional player - felt the claim had no chance of success on this basis.

"Turner's sanction was increased by a single game for this reason."