Harte gets three-match ban for sending off

Republic of Ireland and Leeds United defender Ian Harte will be suspended for three first-team matches after being sent off for…

Republic of Ireland and Leeds United defender Ian Harte will be suspended for three first-team matches after being sent off for violent conduct in a reserves match.

The suspension casts doubt over a possible loan move to a First Division club and will also hinder his efforts to regain a regular starting place in Peter Reid's side.

Harte was red-carded after kicking out at Liverpool's young French striker Anthony Le Tallec during the reserves match last night.

Harte had been left out of the squad for the 4-0 defeat at Leicester and he will now be unavailable for the visits of Blackburn and Manchester United and the trip to Liverpool.