CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe described as "pure accident" the incident which led to "gentle giant" Tyrone Mings being handed a five-match ban.

The 23-year-old centre-half made contact with the head of Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as he attempted to hurdle him and Wayne Rooney on the edge of his own penalty area at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Mings did not face sanctions at the time, while Ibrahimovic temporarily escaped punishment after elbowing the visiting defender in the face moments later.

However, the FA later intervened and Ibrahimovic accepted his three-game ban, while Mings contested his.

Reflecting on Mings's suspension, Howe said: "We are disappointed for Tyrone. We believe he is innocent of any charge. It was a pure accident from his perspective. I believe that following my reviews of the replay.

"He is hugely disappointed to miss five games at such a crucial period of the season for us. He has taken it as well as he can be expected.

"When you have been out for such a long time with an injury, to then receive a suspension of this magnitude and miss more football is the most frustrating thing for him.

"From my dealings with him, throughout training and games, I don't think he has that kind of streak in him. Although he is a beast by stature he is certainly a gentle giant on and off the pitch.

"I think it's a real shame for him."

Discussing the specific incident, Howe said: "Live, I didn't see any coming-together like the replay showed. It's so difficult to see it at live speed.

"I see a defender, who made a very good tackle, trying to make it back to his goal as quickly as he can. His focus is on the ball, not on what lies beneath him.

"You can make any interpretation you want and you can see what you want to see.

"I think people who understand the game to a really high level will know your only priority is to defend your goal."

Asked if the club had thought about pursuing further options following the FA's ruling, Howe added: "We looked at several options but at the end of it, we have to take the decision and move on and that is the only thing we are looking to do from this point."

Centre-half Simon Francis was described as being "not far away" from a return from a hamstring injury by the boss, who also said Baily Cargill "did very well" in his late substitute appearance at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Mings issued a Twitter statement in which he admitted he had been left upset by the FA's verdict.

Mings wrote: "I am extremely disappointed at the FA’s decision to ban me for five matches, following what was an accidental collision with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"At no time was there any intentional stamp or movement to suggest that.

"My foot did not change course and at no point did I try to move my foot towards his head.

"My only focus was to get back in and defend, conduct like that is not part of my game.

"So for people to deem I could intentionally stamp on a fellow professional’s head is upsetting.

"It is an action that would not be acceptable in any walk of life, let alone on a football pitch, and one that would never cross my mind.

"I would like to thank AFC Bournemouth and all the club’s fans for their unwavering support this week.

"I can’t wait to get back playing again and help the team retain our Premier League status for another season."