Three-match ban for Diouf

Bolton striker El-Hadji Diouf will serve an immediate three-match ban after admitting a charge of improper conduct for spitting.

The Senegal international was charged by the Football Association yesterday after spitting in the face of Portsmouth's Arjan de Zeeuw at the weekend.

Diouf, who had already been fined a maximum two weeks' wages by Bolton, had been given until 6pm this evening to respond.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce told the club's official website, www.bwfc.co.uk: "We have discussed the situation at great length. El-Hadji is full of remorse and very sorry for his actions. He has apologised and has accepted his punishment, both from the club and the FA.

"We will deal with his problem in the long-term. He will get help from our in-house team. We have all the necessary expertise to deal with his problem internally rather than outsourcing professional counselling."

Diouf, who is on a season-long loan from Liverpool, has been in trouble for spitting before.

In March 2003 he was fined £5,000 at Glasgow Sheriff Court for spitting at a Celtic fan during a UEFA Cup game for Liverpool. He was also accused of spitting at a Middlesbrough fan earlier this month.

Diouf's suspension will see him miss Bolton's games against Everton, Norwich and Manchester City.