England Lionesses star Rachel Daly slapped with three-match BAN for elbowing opponent in face

RACHEL DALY has been hit with a three-match ban following an incident during Aston Villa’s clash with Bristol City on Saturday. 

Video footage shows the Villans striker appearing to elbow Robins captain Megan Connolly in the face during the WSL duel. 

Rachel Daly’s three-match ban follows the Aston Villa ace being penalised for violent conductGetty

Getty

Daly appeared to elbow Bristol defender Megan Connolly in the face during Villa’s clash with the Robins[/caption]

The incident, which occurred in the 39th minute of the match, was not initially spotted by the referee.

But it was captured on camera during the encounter which ended as a 2-2 draw with the FA deciding that it constituted violent conduct.

Daly, who has made 13 appearances for Villa this term, has admitted to the FA’s charge and will serve the suspension.

The ban means the player will miss her side’s Conti Cup quarter-final duel against Brighton this evening.

She will also be absent from their next two WSL games against Tottenham and Liverpool.

An FA statement on the incident said: “Her behaviour during the 39^th-minute wasn’t seen by the match officials at the time but it was caught on camera.

“The FA alleged that it constitutes violent conduct.

“Rachel Daly has subsequently admitted this charge and accepted the automatic penalty for violent conduct.”

Last term Daly was awarded the WSL’s Golden Boot after finishing the season as top scorer with 22 goals in 22 games.

Reuters

Carla Ward’s side will face Brighton in the Conti Cup quarter-finals[/caption]

Her efforts helped Villa achieve their highest finish in the top-flight to date with the team claiming fifth spot.

This season has seen them initially struggle in the league losing eight of their 13 matches played.

However, Carla Ward’s side have picked up two wins and a draw from their last four WSL games.