YORK City Knights boss James Ford has been handed a two-match touchline ban and £75 fine at his Rugby Football League disciplinary hearing tonight.

Ford pleaded guilty to a Grade 'D' charge of foul and abusive language towards the fourth official during the top-of-the-table humdinger at Bradford Bulls nine days ago.

A Grade 'D' charge usually comes with a three- to five-match suspension.

He will now be banned from the touchline and changing rooms for the Knights' upcoming League One games against North Wales Crusaders on Sunday and away to West Wales Raiders the following Saturday, but will be able to take full charge again for the visit of old arch-rivals Hunslet on August 19.

Ford admitted he had "let the boys down" but was "thankful" the disciplinary panel heard his case.

He told The Press: "I feel I've let the boys and the club down. We all mistakes and in the heat of the moment and when under pressure I made a mistake. I'm very keen to learn from that.

"It's the first time in 20 years in rugby league that I've been at a disciplinary hearing and I don't intend to go back.

"I'm thankful the panel listened to my case and I accept the punishment.

"I pleaded guilty - I did swear at him and I'm embarrassed by it. I've apologised and I know I need to be better."