Aston Villa: Leandro Bacuna given six-match ban after linesman altercation

Villa's victory over Derby was their first in the Championship in 2017

Aston Villa midfielder Leandro Bacuna has been banned for six games following his altercation with an assistant referee in their home win over Derby.

He barged the official with his chest in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of last Saturday's game.

Bacuna, 25, admitted a charge of violent conduct "in circumstances where the standard three-match ban would be clearly insufficient".

The Curacao international has made 25 appearances for Villa this season.

Born in the Netherlands, he joined the club from Groningen for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2013.

His dismissal was the first time he had been sent off while playing for Villa.

"It's very disappointing," Villa boss Steve Bruce told BBC WM Sport 95.6. "I said at the time he overstepped the mark, but six games is a bit harsh.

"I consider the boy a couple of weeks ago who pushed the referee at Blackburn. He only got one extra game."

Bacuna has already served one match of his ban, having sat out Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Bristol City.

Villa considering appeal

Subject to any appeal, which Bruce, Villa chief executive Keith Wyness and technical director Steve Round are now considering, Bacuna will also miss trips to Huddersfield Town and Wigan Athletic, as well as home games against Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers.

"I've had a chat with Steve and Keith and we'll decide in the next few hours whether we're going to appeal," Bruce said. "I do believe when you put it into context with the guy at Blackburn, they were very similar incidents."

The loss of Bacuna follows injuries suffered by winger Andre Green (hamstring), midfielder Gary Gardner (twisted ankle) and Scott Hogan (ankle ligaments).

"Andre will be at least a month and Gary will not make this weekend," added Bruce. "He twisted his ankle in the first 20 seconds of the game the other night (against Bristol City), but Scottie Hogan is a bit of a plus. He might be just a couple of weeks now, rather than the months which we first though."