Leeds United defender Gaetano Berardi has suspension reduced

The Football Association has reduced Gaetano Berardi's red-card suspension from three matches to two after the Leeds United defender was sent off against Rotherham United on Saturday.

The full-back was shown a red card after reacting angrily to an elbow by opposing striker Leon Best, who was also dismissed for leaving the Leeds man with a bloody nose.

In a statement this afternoon, Leeds said: "While the club does not condone Berardi's actions and fully accepted his sending-off, a reduction in the standard punishment of a three-match ban was sought and successfully won upon appeal."

Berardi will now miss the upcoming matches against Championship leaders Hull City and Queens Park Rangers and can make his return against Charlton Athletic on December 12.