SAINTS captain Jack Stephens has been handed a further two-match ban and a £50,000 fine following his red card against Manchester United.

Stephens, 30, was charged with misconduct for directing insulting and abusive language at the match officials following his sending-off.

Referee Stuart Atwell and fourth official Gavin Ward both filed an extraordinary incident report form to the FA following the interaction. 

The skipper has already served his three-game ban for serious foul play, missing matches against Ipswich Town, Everton and AFC Bournemouth.

Stephens will now miss Premier League outings against Arsenal before the international break and Leicester City when the division returns.

An FA statement said: "The defender admitted that he used abusive and insulting words towards both the match referee and fourth official around the 79th minute."

Stephens requested a personal hearing to oversee his case and hear his apology, as well as admit his use of insulting and abusive language.

Stephens said: "I am well aware that what I said was completely unacceptable and below the standard of conduct expected of me.

"I am very embarrassed by my behaviour and want to apologise sincerely for it... I know the importance of accepting a referee's decision.

"Instead, I spoke to him saying something that I would not normally say. I then used that language again to Mr Ward.

"This is not an excuse, but it was in the heat of the moment... I sincerely apologise to Mr Atwell and Mr Ward."

The FA report indicates that the commission had initially recommended a four-match ban, which was mitigated in part due to his prior clean misconduct record.