Andrew handed huge ban

Peter Clarke

ROCHDALE striker Calvin Andrew has been handed a 12-match ban by the FA after elbowing Athletic skipper Peter Clarke.

The suspension, which is one of the longest in English football history, comes after the off-the-ball incident in the 77th minute at Spotland last week was reviewed on video.

Andrew's ban is longer than the 10-match suspensions given to Liverpool's Luis Suarez for biting and Kirk Broadfoot of Rotherham for misconduct.

The 29-year-old's offence, which took place in Dale's 1-0 win, was not seen on the field of play. The former Crystal Palace striker will be out of action until next year.

INCIDENT

The ban was handed down following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing on Friday.

"Calvin Andrew has been given a 12-match ban with immediate effect following an incident which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video," an FA statement read.

"The player was involved in an act of violent conduct in or around the 77th minute of the game against Oldham Athletic on 29 October 2016.

"Furthermore, it was alleged that the standard punishment of three matches that would otherwise apply would be clearly insufficient.

"The player admitted his behaviour constituted violent conduct but denied the clearly insufficient element of the charge."

Rochdale have the right to appeal.