Burnley Defender James Tarkowski Accepts Violent Conduct Charge and Will Serve 3-Game Ban

Burnley will be without defender James Tarkowski for their next three matches after he accepted a charge of violent conduct from the FA, as reported by the BBC.

The Englishman swung his arm into the chest of Brighton striker Glenn Murray at the weekend, and the case was revisited retrospectively.

It is a big blow for the Clarets, who have been flying high in the Premier League this season, with Tarkowski one of the standout defenders in the division so far.

Remarkably, Sean Dyche's side are the joint-best defensive outfit along with the two Manchester clubs, and Tarkowski, along with centre-back partner Ben Mee, has been a huge reason for that.

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His solid performances have prompted some media outlets to tout him for a chance with England before much longer, and Gareth Southgate is likely to oblige given his record for calling up new faces.

Tarkowski will miss games against Tottenham, Manchester United and Huddersfield in the Premier League and will return to proceedings against Liverpool on New Year's Day.