Arsenal's Ashley Cole has picked up a two-match ban from the FA for swearing at referee Paul Durkin following the Gunners' defeat at Southampton. The two-match ban comes into effect immediately, meaning Cole will now play no part in Sunday's Premiership game against West Ham at Highbury. He also misses Arsenal's FA Cup fourth round tie against Farnborough, although there was a strong chance he may have been rested from that game.
The full-back pleaded guilty to the charge of using `abusive and/or insulting words' towards a match official but did not attend the FA misconduct hearing. This is the second time this season that an Arsenal player has picked up a ban for verbally abusing an official. Patrick Vieira was similarly handed a two-match ban for insulting referee Andy D'Urso at Chelsea.
Arsenal have made no official comment on the ruling.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
