Rochdale striker Calvin Andrew hit with 12-game ban for violent conduct

The Football Association has announced that Rochdale striker Calvin Andrew has been banned for 12 games after being found guilty of violent conduct.

The 29-year-old was involved in an off-the-ball incident around the 77th minute of Rochdale's game against Oldham Athletic on October 29.

It is believed that Oldham defender Peter Clarke was elbowed while Rochdale prepared to take a corner, but the incident was not seen by match officials.

A statement from the FA read: "It was alleged that the standard punishment of three matches that would otherwise apply would be clearly insufficient.

"The player admitted his behaviour constituted violent conduct but denied the clearly insufficient element of the charge. However, this was found proven following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today."

Andrew, who joined Rochdale from York City in 2014, will not play again this year as he serves one of the longest bans in Football League history.