London, Jan 28 (IANS): The English Football Association has sanctioned Sunderland defender Papy Djilobodji with a four-match suspension after being accused of violent behaviour.
Djilobodji was accused by the FA of violent behaviour following Sunderland's 0-2 loss to West Bromwich Albion in the English Premier League on January 21, after striking rival player Darren Fletcher in the face, reports Efe.
The referee, Craig Pawson, did not see the action, but it was caught by television cameras.
The FA on Friday said that Djilobodji "denied the charge; however, it was found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing".
The 28-year-old Senegalese midfielder was sanctioned "with immediate effect", as confirmed by the FA in a statement.
This means he will be off the pitch until next March 5 and will miss the matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Everton.