Banned McCulloch misses big games

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.