London, April 25 (IANS): Brazilian midfielder Ramires has been handed a four-match domestic ban after he accepted having caught Sebastian Larsson in the face with a flailing arm in Chelsea's shock defeat to Premier League bottom club Sunderland.
The incident took place April 19 in a crucial Premier League tie that all but ended Chelsea's fight for the league title.
Ramires' misdemeanour was missed by match referee Mike Dean but reviewed by FA disciplinary officials after the game. Ramires did not contest the violent conduct charge.
He was handed an automatic three-match ban, plus a game was added due to his being sent off against Aston Villa last month.
The midfielder will miss a potential title decider against Liverpool Sunday, as well as games against Norwich City and Cardiff, with the last game of his suspension being served in the opening fixture of next season.
He is still eligible to play in the Champions League with Chelsea hosting Atletico Madrid in the semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge next week. The first leg ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
"Chelsea midfielder Ramires has accepted a charge of violent conduct following an off-the-ball incident that was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.
"The incident occurred during Chelsea's Premier League fixture against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge Saturday, April 19.
"Ramires receives a four-match ban which will start with immediate effect," read an FA statement.