SAINTS striker Sekou Mara has been handed a three-match ban for violent conduct during Saturday's 3-2 win over Watford.

Mara accepted the punishment for an off-the-ball incident where he appeared to strike Hornets player Ryan Porteous.

The 21 year old will miss Southampton's fixtures versus Preston, Cardiff City and Leicester City, returning next Saturday against Stoke.

An FA statement reads: "Southampton FC’s Sekou Mara has been suspended for three matches following their EFL Championship game against Watford FC on Saturday 13 April.
 
"The forward’s behaviour in the 83rd minute wasn’t seen by the match officials at the time, but it was caught on video, and The FA alleged that it constitutes violent conduct.
 
"Sekou Mara subsequently admitted this charge against him and also accepted the automatic three-match suspension." 

Youngster Mara signed for Saints from financially stricken French outfit Bordeaux for around £10million in July 2022.

Mara has made 32 appearances this season, mostly from the bench, and scored six goals. Three of those strikes came in the EFL Cup.