Kirk Broadfoot gets 10-game ban for James McClean abuse

Kirk Broadfoot has been hit with a 10-game ban for misconduct. Picture: PA

Former Rangers defender Broadfoot, currently with Rotherham, launched the attack on the-then Wigan Athletic player during a match in March, at Rotherham’s New York Stadium.

According to reports, Broadfoot, who made four appearances for Scotland, was hit with the ban after being summoned to an FA tribunal to face charges relating to sectarianism.

Rotherham and the FA have refused to comment on the case.

An FA statement read: “The charge was that during a league fixture between Rotherham and Wigan Athletic on 14 March 2015 Broadfoot used abusive and/or insulting words towards a member of the opposition, in breach of FA Rule E3(1).

“It was further alleged that the breach was an ‘Aggravated Breach’ as defined by Rule E3(2).

“Broadfoot was also fined £7,500 and ordered to complete an education programme.”

Broadfoot’s 10-game suspension is the longest ever to have been handed out for verbal abuse.

The longest bans issued by the FA include nine months for Eric Cantona after attacking a fan during a match; nine months for goalkeeper Mark Bosnich after he tested positive for cocaine, and an eight-month ban for Rio Ferdinand after he missed a drugs test.

Former Celtic forward Paolo di Canio was given an 11-match ban for shoving a referee while Luis Suarez received an eight-match suspension for racially abusing Patrice Evra.