Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane has been handed down a three-match ban for his dismissal against Chelsea at the Stadium of Light last Saturday.

But the FA have decided that that is the only action they will take against Kilbane and Chelsea's Graeme Le Saux who was also sent off.

Kilbane reacted angrily to Le Saux's attempt to elbow him in the face and he pushed the Chelsea full back, incurring a red card.

Kilbane said: "It was only a push, but I realise that you can't raise your hands on the football pitch so I can't have any complaints".

Kilbane plays this weekend before starting his ban and he hopes to go out in style when Sunderland visit Aston Villa.

"I would love to go out with a win and hopefully with a goal," concluded the Irish hero.