Premiership – News in brief
Middlesbrough defender Franck Queudrue has been handed a three-match ban after having an appeal against the red card he was shown at Tottenham rejected.
Boro appealed against referee Phil Dowd’s decision to dismiss Queudrue for a two-footed tackle on Noe Pamarot.
But their plea failed and Queudrue is suspended with immediate effect.
He will miss Monday’s home clash with Manchester City, the trip to Southampton on 11 December and the home game with Aston Villa on 18 December.
The sending off was Queudrue’s sixth in his four years at the Riverside Stadium.
Boro boss Steve McClaren defended the Frenchman after the incident, claiming the decision to send him off was “rash”.
Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has been charged with improper conduct by The Football Association.
The 27-year-old was dismissed by referee Mike Riley against Manchester City on Saturday for mimicking a head butt.
Hendrie made no contact with City right back Danny Mills, however Riley still produced the red card in the closing stages of the game.
The one-cap England man protested his innocence and remonstrated with the official, actions that have now landed him in hot water.
The FA’s charge relates to Hendrie’s failure to leave the field promptly following the decision and he has until 6pm on Tuesday to answer the charge.
Hendrie has received five yellow and one red card in ten Premiership appearances for Villa this season.
Former Wales international midfielder John Robinson has announced his retirement at the age of 33.
Robinson had another month left on his contract at Gillingham, where he had struggled with a hamstring problem.
Gills chairman Paul Scally told his club’s website: “John had injuries, and could have sat here for one more month and taken his wages.
“He thought it was wrong to take money from the club, so his contract has been cancelled but I respect his honesty.”
Born in Zimbabwe, Robinson began his career with Brighton, before spending more than a decade at Charlton, where he made over 380 senior appearances.
He moved to Cardiff in 2003 and spent just over a season at Ninian Park before joining Gillingham in October – but was only able to start two games for the Kent club.
He also scored three goals in 30 full appearances for Wales.
