Stoke's Huth given three-game ban

Stoke City defender Robert Huth has been banned for three matches by the Football Association for punching West Ham defender Matthew Upson.

The 25-year-old Huth lashed out at Upson during Stoke's 2-1 Premier League win on Saturday.

Referee Martin Atkinson missed the incident, but the FA intervened after viewing video evidence.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis said the club had taken their own disciplinary action against the Germany international.

Huth admitted the charge and an FA Regulatory Commission hearing has suspended him for the Potters' next three games, away to Tottenham and Portsmouth and at home to Wolves.

"We have spoken to Robert and he knows what we feel. His reaction was poor and it could have cost us the game," said Pulis.

"Upson wasn't even looking at the ball as he blocked Robert off, but players have to retain their discipline in those situations, whatever the provocation is.

"Robert has been the most consistent player we've had at the club this season. He's one of the rocks our defence has been built on and he's been exceptional away from home.

"He's very disappointed he's going to miss games, but he's a good kid and a great professional who takes on board what we say to him. He will learn and bounce back from this."

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola said after seeing the incident on television he felt Huth, who was signed from Middlesbrough for £5m in August, should have been sent off.

He said: "Looking at the video after the match obviously it was a sending off. I can only assume the referee didn't see it.

"I haven't spoken to the referee about it. I don't think I need to talk to him. It is down to the authorities to decide (whether further action is required) - it won't change the story for me."

Andy Wilkinson, who was dropped after Huth's £5m arrival from Middlesbrough in August, is primed to deputise at right-back at Tottenham on Saturday.