Atouba handed three-month ban

Tottenham defender Timothee Atouba has been suspended for three matches after being found guilty of violent conduct.

Atouba elbowed Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton during Spurs’ 2-1 victory on March 19.

He denied the charge yesterday after being given an extended period in which to respond due to international commitments with Cameroon.

However, a Football Association disciplinary commission hearing found him guilty of the charge today.

The suspension will take effect immediately, ruling Atouba out of Tottenham’s trip to Birmingham tomorrow.