McCulloch to serve three-game ban
for punch
Wigan's Lee McCulloch has been banned for three matches by the
Football Association after admitting a charge of violent
conduct.
McCulloch was caught by television cameras punching Sheffield
United captain Chris Morgan during Saturday's Barclays Premiership
match at the JJB Stadium.
The suspension takes place with immediate effect, meaning the
28-year-old will miss this Saturday's home clash with Chelsea, the
Boxing Day game at Manchester United and the match at Watford on
December 30.
Neither referee Peter Walton nor the other match officials saw the
incident, which resulted in Morgan suffering cuts and a badly
swollen right eye.
However, the Blades skipper made it clear he was happy to forget
the matter after McCulloch offered an apology and handshake
immediately after the game which the visitors won 1-0 thanks to a
goal by striker Rob Hulse.
The incident capped a difficult week for Morgan who was allegedly
elbowed by Juan Pablo Angel during the 2-2 draw with Aston
Villa.
The Colombian striker escaped any disciplinary action after referee
Mark Halsey confirmed he had witnessed the incident.
Under FIFA regulations, the FA were powerless to pursue that matter
further and Angel avoided any action.