Fulham defender Zat Knight has been handed a three-match ban by the Football Association following his clash with Blackburn’s Jon Stead.

The giant defender was charged by The FA earlier this month for using violent behaviour after a clash with Stead during his side’s 4-3 defeat to Blackburn.

Knight appeared to head-butt Stead as both players ran upfield although the incident was not noticed by referee Mike Dean.

The flashpoint was caught on television pictures clashing with Stead and The FA decided to act.

Knight will now miss Fulham’s remaining three games of the season and the news will be a blow for Cottagers boss Chris Coleman as they continue their push for a place in Europe.