Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has admitted his surprise at being handed a three-game touchline ban by the FA.

Bowyer has been handed the punishment following an incident that occurred during his side's 2-1 defeat to Swansea earlier this month, while he has also been asked to pay a £4,000 fine.

The decision means the Addicks boss will now need to watch on from the stands when his side host Derby on the weekend, and then travel to face Bristol City and West Brom in back-to-back away trips.

Bowyer has overseen an impressive start to the season from his side since their return to the Championship, as the Addicks currently sit 10th in the table after winning five of their opening 11 matches in the second tier.

However, this latest development means Charlton now have their work cut out in their manager's absence for the next three matches, and Bowyer has now confessed his surprise when he was first informed of the ban.

"I'm surprised and disappointed with the ban," he told Charlton's club website.

"I didn't shout or swear in my discussion with the referee but it is what it is. My focus remains making sure we are ready for Saturday's game against Derby County."

The Verdict

It's not surprising that Bowyer feels disappointed with the ban as this puts his side at a clear disadvantage ahead of their next three matches. It will inevitably be harder for Bowyer to relay his instructions to the players.

This now places great importance on Charlton's next few days on the training ground where Bowyer must ensure he prepares his players for different scenarios, as he will not be present to offer them reactive advice on Saturday.

It will be intriguing to see whether this punishment has a significant effect on Charlton's performances, or whether the work Bowyer does in training means his players are able to cope with him not being there.

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