Southampton's Stephens given further two-game ban

Jack Stephens was charged with misconduct following his sending off

Southampton defender Jack Stephens has been given an additional two-match suspension following his sending off against Manchester United.

The 30-year-old centre-back was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Alejandro Garnacho during his side's 3-0 defeat by United on 14 September.

Stephens was subsequently charged by the FA for breaching Rule E3(1), which prohibits improper conduct, for using abusive and insulting language towards referee Stuart Attwell and fourth official Gavin Ward.

The Saints player has been handed a £50,000 fine and an additional two-match suspension.

Stephens has already served the three-match ban that came with the red card, but will now miss Southampton's upcoming Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Leicester City.

"I am well aware that what I said was completely unacceptable and below the standard of conduct expected of me," Stephens wrote in a letter to the FA Regulatory Commission.

"I am very embarrassed by my behaviour and want to apologise sincerely for it."

Southampton lost 3-1 to Bournemouth on Monday in Stephens' absence and remain winless after six top-flight games.

Saints manager Russell Martin said he was "hurt by the lack of spirit and fight" his side showed in defeat.