Gaetan Bong will miss Nottingham Forest's next three games after accepting a charge of violent conduct.

Bong started for Forest in a 2-1 defeat to Coventry on Sunday afternoon, with the Sky Blues coming from behind to pick up an opening day victory.

With Forest leading at half-time courtesy of Lyle Taylor's 36th minute goal, Bong was embroiled in controversy shortly before the interval.

As a Coventry free-kick was delivered into the area, Bong appeared to slap Coventry's Callum O'Hare in the face as the midfielder made a run into the box.

The incident was not seen by match officials at the time, but having rewatched the footage, the FA have now confirmed that Bong will miss Forest's next three matches after accepting a charge of violent conduct.

This leaves Forest desperately short of options heading into their next few games, with Bong their only out-and-out available left-back.

Nicholas Ioannou and Tyler Blackett have both departed the club this summer, whilst Yuri Ribeiro was also let go at the end of last season.

The Verdict

Forest's woes at left-back continue and it goes from bad to worse.

It was a silly incident and perhaps Bong just caught up in the heat of the moment, but he's old enough and experienced enough to know better.

Forest will continue to fit square pegs in round holes now until they manage to bring in a left-back. It's becoming critical that they do so if they want to pick up some positive results in the coming weeks.