Blackburn Rovers defender Murphy issued with three-match ban | OneFootball

Blackburn Rovers defender Niamh Murphy has been issued with a three-match ban following an incident which occurred in Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Championship fixture at Crystal Palace.

In the 14th minute of the match, Murphy appeared to move her arm towards the face of Crystal Palace attacker Molly-Mae Sharpe but the incident was missed by the match referee.

The Football Association have now conducted a video review of the incident and they have issued Murphy with a three-match ban for violent conduct. The player accepted the penalty but opposed the length of the ban. It has been confirmed that the ban will not be reduced.

Following the conclusion of their review, The Football Association issued a statement which read: “Blackburn Rovers Women’s Niamh Murphy has been suspended for three games following their Women’s Championship match against Crystal Palace Women on Sunday, 18 February.

“The defender’s behaviour in the 14th minute wasn’t seen by the match officials at the time, but was caught on video, and The FA subsequently alleged that it constitutes violent conduct.

“Niamh Murphy admitted this charge, but submitted that the automatic three-match suspension was excessive, and an independent Regulatory Commission dismissed this during a hearing.”

Murphy is now set to miss Blackburn Rovers’ Barclays Women’s Championship fixtures against Durham, Birmingham City and Southampton.