DAPO Afolayan has been hit by a three-match ban by the Football Association for elbowing Lincoln’s Lasse Sorensen.

The Wanderers striker was found guilty of violent conduct by the FA’s disciplinary committee, on review of video footage of the 1-1 draw on Friday night.

Afolayan had denied the charge but will now miss three key battles for Wanderers in their fight to stay in the play-off race.

Referee Geoff Eltringham and his assistants did not spot the incident, which occurred in the build-up to Wanderers’ equalising goal at the LNER Stadium, scored by Eoin Toal.

Afolayan – who has never had a red card in his professional career - will miss today’s game against Barnsley, along with forthcoming home games against Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth.

An official statement released on social media by the FA last night read: "Bolton Wanderers FC's Oladapo Afolayan has been suspended for three matches after breaching FA Rule E1.1 during the EFL League One fixture against Lincoln City FC on Friday 30 December 2022.

"The forward denied that his behaviour during the 57th minute, in an incident that was not seen by match officials but caught on video, constituted violent conduct. However, the charge was subsequently found proven by an independent Regulatory Commission."