ACCRINGTON Stanley midfielder Sean McConville has been banned for FOUR games after admitting an FA charge of violent conduct.

The midfielder has also apologised for his part in a melee during Saturday's goalless draw with Northampton Town, during which Stanley's Joe Pritchard was also sent off.

McConville, who has been punished retrospectively following a review of footage, will miss tonight's home game with Plymouth Argyle, as well as fixtures against Lincoln City, Doncaster Rovers and Shrewsbury Town this month.

The 85th minute incident was not seen by the match officials at the time on Saturday but it was caught on video, forcing the FA to intervene, and constituted violent conduct.

McConville got involved in a melee in the middle of the pitch and was seen to pull Kioso's hair.

In a statement, the 31-year-old said: "I want to apologise to Peter Kioso, my team-mates, John Coleman and his coaching staff and the Stanley fans.

"It was the heat of the moment but I understand it was wrong and accept my punishment."

McConville has admitted a charge for a breach of FA Rule E1.1 and accepted the standard penalty - effective immediately - following an incident during Accrington's goalless draw at home to Northampton Town, where Kioso is now on loan.