Reyes banned for three games

Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes has been banned for three matches for violent conduct in the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Sheffield United on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Spain international slapped Andy Liddell around the face in a fracas which also led to the dismissal of Dennis Bergkamp, who has also been banned for three games.

Reyes, who had denied the charge, will miss the replay against the Blades as well as the Barclays Premiership matches against Southampton and Portsmouth.

Bergkamp, sent off for striking Danny Cullip, will miss the same fixtures as Reyes.

It leaves Gunners boss Arsene Wenger with just Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie available as senior strikers.

Wenger defended both players after the match and focused on what he felt was a foul on Cesc Fabregas which appeared to spark the pushing and shoving.

“We will appeal against the sending-off (of Bergkamp),” the French boss said.

“We will appeal on the grounds that he didn’t hit (Danny Cullip), he pushed him. But I must say I was shocked by what I saw against (Cesc) Fabregas. Their number 32 (Cullip) hit him on the head. The intention was there although he didn’t hit him hard. But I don’t like to see that. He hit him on purpose. We will accept everything the FA does.

“We have no other choice but we do not want to lose Reyes. Reyes may be a yellow card but I don’t see why one case should be linked with the other. The FA look at the whole game anyway.”