Emmanuel Frimpong given two-match ban for response to racist abuse

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has been suspended by the Russian Football Union for two matches after he was sent off for raising his middle finger to the crowd in retaliation to alleged racist abuse.

Frimpong, who plays for Russian side Ufa, was sent off in his side's 2-2 draw with Spartak Moscow last Friday, citing alleged monkey chants for his actions.

However, the RFU has confirmed that Spartak Moscow will not face any punishment, as their committee "didn't find any confirmations of monkey chants so they deny racism in this case".

The 23-year-old took to Twitter after the game to apologise for his red card, and admitted that it was only a small minority who abused him.

The country is set to host the 2018 World Cup.