The FA governing council has banned Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic from two matches following his dismissal in Saturday's 4-1 Premier League defeat by Liverpool.

Vidic 27,who plays centre half for his club was shown a straight red card by referee Alan Wiley for hauling down Steven Gerrard. His second red card of the season - the other also came against Liverpool at Anfield in September.

He will miss Saturday's trip to Fulham and the visit of Aston Villa on 5 April.

United's game against Villa is likely to hold on 4th of April if Sir Alex Ferguson's side are in action in the Champions League on 7th of April.