Ashington boss Steve Harmison receives 12-game ban

FORMER England cricket hero and current Ashington boss Steve Harmison has been handed a 12-game ban.

The 37-year-old went from fast bowler to football manager after taking over as boss of the Northern League side last February.

He saved the club from relegation and his side are currently 13th in the table this term although he will miss the rest of the season after the lengthy suspension – which is due to start on April 11 – was confirmed on the Northumberland FA website.

It has not currently been confirmed why Harmison has received the ban although several national papers claim it was for an incident with a referee during Ashington’s 1-0 loss to Bishop Auckland last month.

They allege Harmison confronted the match official after striker Andrew Bulford was shown a red card although in his post match comments on Ashingston’s website, the boss said: “The sending off was right. It was a rash moment but one borne out of frustration.”

When contacted, the Northumberland FA said: “At this time the association has no comment to make regarding the case as proceedings are still ongoing.”