Garry Richards will miss the next three games, including Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Aston Villa, after being handed a suspension.

The Gillingham defender was reported to the FA by Brentford Football Club after he escaped punishment during a mass brawl between players when the two sides met at Priestfield two weeks ago.

During the incident Brentford’s Nathan Elder was shown a straight red card but Bees manager Andy Scott was unhappy with Richards’ conduct and subsequently filed a complaint about his conduct to the FA.

Following an FA disciplinary panel meeting on Wednesday morning Richards was given a three match ban with no right of appeal.#

Gills’ on-loan defender Leigh Mills recently returned to Tottenham and that leaves the club short for Sunday’s big match. They are already missing a recognised right-back as captain Barry Fuller is already suspended.

Manager Mark Stimson may now need to bring in a loan player for the tie when the transfer window opens on January 2.

Reacting to Richards’ suspension, Stimson said: “I’m shocked. This is a massive blow for the player and the club. Garry is absolutely devastated.”