JEFFERSON Lerma has been hit with a further two-match ban and fined £4,000 after a Football Association charge against him was upheld.

The Colombian was last week charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 following his dismissal against Coventry City at Vitality Stadium.

Lerma was shown a straight red card after tripping Matty Godden as the Sky Blues striker burst through on goal last month.

After some protests, the Colombian left the pitch with Cherries leading 2-0. Coventry stormed back to draw 2-2, netting two late goals.

Cherries had responded to the charge against the former Levante star, but a further ban and fine has been handed to the 27-year-old.

A statement from the FA on Friday read: “Jefferson Lerma has been fined £4,000 and suspended for AFC Bournemouth’s next two games following a breach of FA Rule E3 that occurred during the EFL Championship match against Coventry City on Saturday 27 November 2021.

“The midfielder denied an allegation that his language and behaviour after being sent off in the 68th minute of that game was improper.

“An independent Regulatory Commission subsequently found it to be proven and imposed this sanction.”

The decision means Lerma will not be able to take to the field for Cherries home clash with Blackburn tomorrow, or the trip to Middlesbrough on December 18.

A statement from Cherries read: “AFC Bournemouth is extremely disappointed with the outcome but will make no further comment at this time.”

Lerma had already served a one-match ban for the sending off against Coventry, during last week’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.