Troy Deeney: Forest Green Rovers boss handed four-match touchline ban

Forest Green Rovers boss Troy Deeney was sent off by referee Scott Simpson

Forest Green Rovers boss Troy Deeney has been handed a four-match touchline ban after being sent off.

The 35-year-old was shown a red card late on in their defeat by Swindon on 29 December, only nine days after he replaced David Horseman as boss.

Deeney was charged by the Football Association with using "improper and/or abusive and/or threatening behaviour and/or language".

An independent regulatory commission also fined him £1,500.

Rovers are seven points from safety at the bottom of League Two and will be without Deeney for the games at Gillingham on Saturday followed by matches against Accrington, Colchester and Mansfield.

Earlier this week Deeney, who is yet to win a game as boss, apologised for criticising his own players following their defeat by Harrogate, saying he allowed his emotions to get the better of him.

On Wednesday Forest Green "condemned" racially abusive messages that were sent to Deeney on Instagram.

"We will be seeking support from the police, as well as Instagram's parent company, Meta, to identify and hold the individual to account for their discriminatory language directed towards Troy," a club statement said.

"As a club, we stand for equality and diversity and stand against all forms of discrimination. Troy has the club's full support and we will work with the police and Meta to ensure the law is applied."