Gillingham midfielder Armani Little handed two-match ban by the FA after gesture made to the crowd during FA Cup first-round tie at Newport County

Gillingham midfielder Armani Little has been handed a two-match ban by the FA.

The incident, which saw Little make a gesture to the crowd, happened during the Gills’ FA Cup first round clash at Newport at the start of November.

Little admitted a charge that “in or around the 46th minute of the fixture he committed the sending off offence of using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or actions”.

The Gills man admitted the offence on Wednesday but, aware he was facing a two-match ban, claimed the automatic penalty was clearly excessive.

The written reasons and decision of the FA’s Independent Regulatory Commission have been published and state: “it was Mr Little’s position that he was being heavily abused by a section of the Newport County supporters, in close proximity, and the challenges he faced relating to an injury. This was why he had made a gesture towards one particular fan.

“This was his first game back after five weeks out with injury and he had sustained a further injury just before half time. He was angry and frustrated by this and this heavily influenced his reaction to the fans. He had experienced this before but had not reacted.

“He was not making an excuse for his actions but seeking to explain the level of emotion he was feeling at the time. He also wished to put forward that he had not disputed the charge, expressed his regret at the incident and apologised for his actions. Finally, he referred to his previous good disciplinary record, all of which was considered by the Commission.”

Little admitted the charge so the commission only had to decide whether or not the circumstances were “truly exceptional” and therefore warranted a reduced punishment.

They were “sympathetic” but found there were “no