Violent conduct earns Huth three-match ban

Stoke City defender Robert Huth was yesterday handed a three-match ban by the Football Association.

The Germany international was charged with violent conduct after swinging an arm at West Ham's centre-half Matthew Upson during Saturday's 2-1 home victory at the Britannia Stadium.

He admitted the charge and an FA Regulatory Commission hearing suspended him for the Potters' next three games, away to Tottenham and Portsmouth and at home to Wolves.

Stoke had earlier taken their own disciplinary action against Huth, with manager Tony Pulis saying: "We have spoken to Robert and he knows what we feel.

"His reaction was poor and it could have cost us the game. Upson wasn't even looking at the ball as he blocked Robert off, but players have to retain their discipline in those situations, whatever the provocation is."

Andy Wilkinson, who was dropped after Huth's £5m arrival from Middlesbrough in August, is primed to deputise at right-back at Tottenham tomorrow.

But Pulis added: "Robert has been the most consistent player we've had at the club this season. He's one of the rocks our defence has been built on and he's been exceptional away from home.

"He's very disappointed he's going to miss games, but he's a good kid and a great professional who takes on board what we say to him. He will learn and bounce back from this."