Wimbledon defender Ben Thatcher has been banned for two games by the Football Association after elbowing Sunderland's Nicky Summerbee in the face.

He pleaded guilty by corrrespondence to a charge of misconduct following the consultation of video evidence by the FA.

A spokesman for the association said: "Thatcher's ban shows that there is no room in the game for such conduct."

Referee Graham Poll and assistant Grant Hegley both missed the incident at Selhurst Park on 3 January. Summerbee was forced to leave the field with concussion.

Thatcher was apologetic in the aftermath but insisted the challenge was accidental, saying: "I was running flat out for a 50/50 ball.

"He pulled out of the challenge after I'd already braced myself for contact. If my elbow caught him I apologise. It was certainly unintentional."

Thatcher's challenge, which appeared legal from one camera angle, was deemed to be dangerous from another viewpoint, leading to further action by the FA.

Sunderland manager Peter Reid said after the game: "I thought there was contact there. I saw something the linesman didn't, but it was raining at the time so maybe his vision was impaired.

Video evidence has previously led to bans for Leicester central defender Matt Elliott and Middlesbrough striker Brian Deane for use of the elbow