West Brom star Jayson Molumby slapped with five-match ban from FRIENDLIES after wildly punching opponent in face

JAYSON MOLUMBY has been hit with a five-match ban from FRIENDLIES following his pre-season punch up against Real Mallorca.

The West Brom star, 25, was also fined £16,000 after being involved in a furious bust up with opponent Samu Costa during the match on July 27.

Molumby raged after a hefty challenge made on him, subsequently squaring up to Costa before the pair went head-to-head.

Costa then pushed Molumby's neck, with the Irish international responding by punching him in the face and wrestling him to the ground.

Following the Baggies' 1-0 defeat, which took place at Walsall's training ground, Molumby was charged with violent conduct by the FA.

With the midfielder having accepted the charge, the FA confirmed in a statement: "West Bromwich Albion’s Jayson Molumby has been fined £16,000 and suspended from the club’s next five friendly matches for misconduct during their pre-season match against Real Mallorca on Saturday 27 July.

"The midfielder accepted that his behaviour during the fixture constitutes violent conduct, and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions at a hearing."

West Brom have played two further friendly matches since facing Mallorca, with Molumby continuing to be involved.

His five-match friendly ban will only come into effect for matches involving West Brom.

Molumby will be in contention for West Brom's first league game this weekend.

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Carlos Corberan's men kick off their Championship campaign with a trip to Queens Park Rangers tomorrow lunchtime.

Molumby will be hoping to make his first competitive appearance since January in the Loftus Road clash.

The 24-cap star suffered a foot injury which required surgery - ruling him out for four months.

Prior to his injury he had featured in 24 of West Brom's first 26 league matches last term.