West Brom's Molumby banned for five friendlies

Jayson Molumby has won 24 full caps for the Republic of Ireland

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Jayson Molumby has accepted a violent conduct charge for punching an opponent during a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly.

Molumby has been fined £16,000 and suspended from the club’s next five friendly matches for misconduct - but is free to play for Albion in their season opener at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

The punishment is unlikely to kick in until next summer when Albion face their next round of pre-season friendlies.

Video footage circulated widely on social media which showed the 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international hitting Samu Costa in the face following a challenge by the Portuguese midfielder on 27 July against Real Mallorca.

The two then clashed on the ground, before team-mates had to pull them apart.

Costa also appeared to swing an arm after Molumby shoved his head into his opponent. He was not red carded, but was substituted at half-time following the incident.

A Football Association statement added: "He accepted that his behaviour during the fixture constitutes violent conduct. An independent regulatory commission imposed his sanctions at a hearing."