Rochdale’s Calvin Andrew gets 12 weeks for hit with elbow in FA

A brutal hit to an opponent’s head with his elbox has earned soccer player Calvin Andrew a 12-match spell on the bench.

The FA has slapped a 12-match ban on a League One striker who smashed an opponent with his elbow in a horrific off-the-ball clash.

Rochdale’s Calvin Andrew, 29, will not play again until January after being caught on camera launching an astonishing assault on Oldham’s Peter Clarke during their match last week. Referee Tony Harrington and his officials missed the incident but former Luton and Crystal Palace player Andrew was charged on the basis of video evidence.

Calvin Andrew. Picture: Flickr

And while Andrew admitted violent conduct, the FA considered the attack so serious that it warranted more than the standard three-match ban which would follow a red card.

Andrew, never previously sent off in more than 320 games of a 12-year career, contested the FA’s claim that the normal punishment was “clearly insufficient”.

But an FA commission ruled against him, handing down a punishment equal to that given to Joey Barton, who clashed with Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero after a red card for QPR against Manchester City in 2012.

England’s other longest bans

Eric Cantona (nine months, 1995) Reason: Kung-fu kick on Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons.

Joey Barton (12 games, 2012) Reason: Kicking Sergio Aguero and attempting to headbutt Vincent Kompany after being sent off for QPR at Manchester City.

Paolo Di Canio (11 games, 1998) Reason: Pushing over referee Paul Alcock in Sheffield Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal.

Luis Suarez (10 games, 2013) Reason: Biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Anfield.

David Prutton (10 games, 2005) Reason: Shoving referee Alan Wiley after being sent off for Southampton against Arsenal.