Lee Bowyer has been banned for six matches by UEFA for stamping on Malaga’s Gerardo during last month’s UEFA Cup.

Bowyer was found guilty of “an act of serious assault”, after European football’s governing body concluded that the midfielder made contact with Gerardo’s head.

Leeds manager Terry Venables confirmed after the incident that Bowyer had admitted standing on Gerardo’s head, but the player claimed contact was accidental.

No stranger to controversy, Bowyer received a three-match ban from UEFA during the 2000-01 season after he was found guilty of stamping on Valencia’s Juan Sanchez during a Champions League tie.

Bowyer, who is on the verge of a move to West Ham, has until Saturday to appeal against the ban.