The Football Association has announced that Cardiff City's Juan Cala will serve an immediate three-match ban after being found guilty of improper conduct.

Cala was charged last month for an incident believed to have occurred in the tunnel following the Bluebirds' 4-0 defeat to Sunderland on April 27.

The defender was sent off in the first half of the match for fouling Connor Wickham as the forward was through on goal at the Stadium of Light.

A statement from the FA said: "The charge, which Cala denied, was that his behaviour in or around the tunnel area after the end of Cardiff's game against Sunderland on April 27 2014 amounted to improper conduct."

Cala, who will compete in the Championship next season should he stay with Cardiff, was also fined £12,500 following a hearing.