Marouane Fellaini given written warning and three match ban by the FA but will not face further punishment for refusing to leave the pitch
Manchester United midfielder shown red for headbutt on Sergio Aguero in the Manchester derby
MAROUANE FELLAINI has been handed a three-game ban and a written warning by the Football Association - but will NOT face extra punishment after refusing to leave the field.
The Manchester United midfielder was sent off in the Manchester derby for headbutting Sergio Aguero.
The Belgian, 29, then took an age to get off the pitch as he protested against the red card given to him by referee Martin Atkinson in the 0-0 draw with Manchester City.
But despite the lengthy protests, the FA will take no further action.
Fellaini had been booked just 19 seconds before being shown the red card.
The United midfielder and Aguero both pushed their heads together, but Aguero was the one who crumpled to the floor.
United boss Jose Mourinho suggested that Fellaini was duped by the striker.
He said: "I didn’t watch the Fellaini incident on TV but I spoke with Fellaini he thinks it was a red card because he is Fellaini.
"I spoke to Martin [Atkinson] – he thinks it was a red card.
"I can guess it’s a bit of a red card and a bit of a very smart, very experienced Argentinian player."
Manchester United legend and pundit Gary Neville also said that Fellaini had been "played like a fool".
"What is he doing?" said Neville.
“I think he’s furious because what he’s done is that he’s given the foul away and there is an incident we haven’t seen.
“He’s snapped Fellaini, he needed to get off the pitch.
“I couldn’t praise Fellaini enough for his performance on Sunday at Burnley and I think tonight he’s done a good job for the team.
“He’s now left his team with ten minutes to go, maybe more, with a lot of work to do.”
Fellaini will miss United fixtures at home to Swansea City and away at Arsenal and Spurs.
The Belgian will be available for the final two Premier League games of the season against Southampton and Crystal Palace.
United have five games remaining and are two points off fourth-placed Liverpool, although the Reds have played a game more.