Aston Villa forward Rachel Daly has been handed a three-match suspension by the Football Association for violent conduct observed during her team’s game against Bristol City on Saturday.
In the 39th minute of the 2-2 draw, Daly, aged 32, appeared to elbow Robins defender Megan Connolly in the face.
Although the incident went unnoticed by match officials during the game, it was captured by television cameras.
Daly, an England international, has admitted to the offense and has agreed to accept the consequences.
Connolly was affected by the incident, which occurred off the ball in the Bristol City penalty area. However, due to the absence of video assistant referee in the Women’s Super League, Daly was not shown a card or reprimanded during the match.
A three-match suspension is the standard penalty for acts of violent conduct.
Daly’s absence will be felt in Villa’s League Cup quarter-final clash against Brighton on Wednesday, as well as in their upcoming WSL fixtures against Tottenham and Liverpool.
Having secured the Golden Boot with 22 WSL goals last season, Daly is currently Villa’s leading scorer in the league this season with six goals.
Carla Ward’s team currently occupies the eighth position in the league standings following a challenging beginning to the season.