Source: Northern_Echo
FA extend Turner ban
THE FA have extended the suspension given to Sunderland defender Michael Turner by a further game.[LNB] Turner was given an initial three-match ban after being shown a straight red card following a clash with Manchester City's Gareth Barry on Saturday when the Black Cats defender was adjudged to have used his elbow.[LNB] Sunderland felt the ban imposed for serious foul play' was excessive and appealed under a new regulation to seek to limit the disciplinary consequences of the dismissal of the player. Sunderland asked for the FA to review the sending-off on the basis that the circumstances were truly exceptional and that a standard punishment of three games was excessive. They sought to reduce the penalty to a one or two match suspension.[LNB] The FA deemed the appeal to be unsuccessful and that the standard punishment given in the first instance was correct. They utilised their discretion to increase the penalty to four games.[LNB] A club spokesperson said: We are very disappointed with the decision on this occasion. The FA has also asked manager Steve Bruce to provide them with his observations in relation to post-match comments following Turner's dismissal.[LNB]
