Bees’ McCormack banned for five matches

Brentford midfielder Alan McCormack has been banned for five matches and fined £6,000 for insulting a match official during a game last season.

McCormack had denied the charge but was found guilty at a Football Association hearing on Thursday.

He was alleged to have used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official in the 52nd minute of the game against Cardiff City at Griffin Park on 19 April.

It was found to be an aggravated breach as McCormack’s words included a reference to gender, increasing the ban.

He was given a warning as to his future conduct and also ordered to attend an education course.

Brentford said they would await the written reasons for the verdict before making comment.