Akinbiyi banned

Stoke striker Ade Akinbiyi today failed in his appeal against a decision to ban him for two games, following a confrontation with a match official during a fixture against Gillingham earlier in the season. Akinbiyi has been banned after apparently using "abusive language towards a match official". Although unclear as to when the ban will take place, it will be a bitter blow for the Stoke player, after his current run of excellent form, having helped the Potters climb from the duldrums of Division One, into a respectable mid-table place.
The appeal over a match ban, is the second from the Club to be refused by the Football Association, after Richard Johnson's red card in last weeks fixture against Wimbledon was also upheld earlier today.