Birmingham captain Paul Robinson given three-game ban for James Chester clash
The 38-year-old centre-back’s season is over with his suspension running into the first game of the 2017/18 campaign.
Birmingham captain Paul Robinson has been banned for three games by the Football Association.
The 38-year-old was charged with violent conduct after appearing to hit out at Aston Villa’s James Chester in Sunday’s 1-0 derby defeat. The incident happened in the immediate aftermath of Gabby Agbonlahor’s 68th-minute winner at Villa Park.
Robinson denied the charge and insisted his actions were not intentional as Chester ran past from his blind side. The Villa centre-back has accepted his apology for the contact. But the Blues defender has been found guilty and his campaign is now over, with the suspension running into the first game of next season.
An FA statement read: “Paul Robinson will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect, following an independent regulatory commission hearing.
“The Birmingham City defender was charged with violent conduct in relation to an incident in or around the 68th minute of the game against Aston Villa on Sunday (23 April 2017) which was not seen by the match officials at the time, but caught on video. The player denied the charge, however, it was found proven.”
Birmingham, who appointed Harry Redknapp as boss last week after Gianfranco Zola quit, have two games left in the Sky Bet Championship – against Huddersfield and Bristol City – and are just two points above the relegation zone.