Klaas-Jan Huntelaar ban reduced to four games

Schalke 04 striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has had his six-game ban reduced to four games following a successful appeal.

The Dutchman was handed the initial punishment after being sent off for a reckless tackle during his side's 1-0 win over Hannover on Saturday.

Huntelaar has scored 10 goals in 23 games for the Bundesliga side so far this season.

"He must sit out four games of his ban. The remaining two games are to be suspended until January 30, 2016," the German Football Association said in a statement. "This means the forward will have to sit out these two games if he sees another red card until then."

Schalke are back in action on Friday when they host Borussia Monchengladbach in the league.