Harper faces three-match ban

Last updated : 25 January 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Bookings and red cards in reserve fixtures do not normally count towards the Premiership disciplinary process, but a sending off for violent conduct does mean a senior ban.

He will miss the games with Arsenal, Leeds and Chelsea and Sir Bobby must decide between John Karelse and teenager Adam Collin for Harper’s place on the bench.

Harper though is furious about the matter, claiming that he didn’t kick anyone.

"I went to kick the ball out. I put the ball down for a free-kick thinking he had penalised the Blackburn player but he blew the whistle for a penalty," he told the Evening Chronicle.

"It was ridiculous. Anyone who knows me would know I would never deliberately kick someone. I cannot understand or comprehend it. Their lad said he couldn't believe it.

"I was in the process of kicking the ball but I stopped myself.

"The lad's run into me and my foot didn't get above knee height. I can't believe it."