FORMER York College student Rachel Daly has been handed a three-match ban by the FA for violent conduct during Saturday's Women's Super League match between Aston Villa and Bristol City.

Daly, who studied a Diploma in Sport at the College, appeared to have elbowed Robins defender Megan Connolly in the face in the 39th minute of the sides' 2-2 draw at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.

Television cameras caught the incident, after which Connolly went down in the box, but it was not picked up by match officials at the time.

Harrogate-born Daly admitted the charge, which carries with it an automatic three-match ban.

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A statement from the FA read: "Rachel Daly has been suspended for three matches following Aston Villa Women's game against Bristol City Women in the Women's Super League on Saturday February 3.

"Her behaviour during the 39th minute wasn't seen by the match officials at the time, but it was caught on camera, and the FA alleged that it constitutes violent conduct.

"Rachel Daly subsequently admitted this charge and accepted the automatic penalty for violent conduct."

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The 32-year-old striker, who last season earned the WSL Golden Boot, will now miss Villa's League Cup Quarter Final against Brighton this evening, as well as their upcoming WSL matches against both Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

Carla Ward's side currently sit eighth in the BWSL table after a disappointing start to the season. Daly is their current top scorer with six goals.