London, Jan 28, 2017: The English Football Association has sanctioned Sunderland defender Papy Djilobodji with a four-match suspension after being accused of violent behaviour.

Djilobodji was accused by the FA of violent behaviour following Sunderland's 0-2 loss to West Bromwich Albion in the English Premier League on January 21, after striking rival player Darren Fletcher in the face, reports Efe.

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The referee, Craig Pawson, did not see the action, but it was caught by television cameras.

The FA on Friday said that Djilobodji "denied the charge; however, it was found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing".

The 28-year-old Senegalese midfielder was sanctioned "with immediate effect", as confirmed by the FA in a statement.

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This means he will be off the pitch until next March 5 and will miss the matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Everton. (IANS)