Preston striker Ched Evans has received a four-game ban following an altercation with Alex Scott in Bristol City's 2-1 victory at Deepdale last weekend.
The forward reacted angrily to an off-the-ball incident in the 79th minute of the contest that contributed to the 19-year-old midfielder falling to the turf holding his face. The referee missed the tussle at the time with Evans escaping without punishment.
During a high-tempered affair, Scott and his opponent challenged for an aerial ball with the hosts hoping to force an equaliser. The City starlet grabbed the arm of Evans after making a pass to which he reacted angrily by wrapping his arms around the neck of his opponent.
The referee waved play to continue before protests from City players who were adamant Evans should have faced immediate punishment. However, after monitoring footage of the incident, the FA handed the 34-year-old a four-match ban.
A statement read: "Preston North End FC’s Chedwyn Evans has been suspended for four matches following a breach of FA Rule E1.1 that took place during their EFL Championship game against Bristol City FC on Saturday 4 February 2023.
"The forward’s behaviour in the 79th minute of this fixture was not seen by the match officials at the time, but it was caught on video, and he subsequently denied a charge that it constitutes violent conduct.
"An independent Regulatory Commission found this charge to be proven during a hearing and imposed his sanction."
FA Rule E1.1 alleges that a participant's behaviour during a game constitutes violent conduct. Preston say in their response: "While the club respects the decision made by The FA, on this occasion the club is both surprised and disappointed by the outcome."
Emotions threatened to boil over on several occasions throughout the contest including an incident involving Nahki Wells in the second half. The striker sparked a small melee when pushing over Greg Cunningham after accusing the defender of stepping on him while on the ground.
Despite crowd protests for a red card, the referee handed out a yellow and Pearson immediately replaced Wells for Harry Cornick before playing down the incident at full-time. He said: "I think it was preventative action. It was a bit tetchy out there at times.
"But he's limping now. He got stamped on and I've not seen him like that before. If a shove like that constitutes to a sending off compared to a couple of things out there, I don't think so. I think the game is better for having passion about it. I'm not one of those who cries about challenges in games."
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