Dugout ban for Rotherham United boss Alex Bruce

Rotherham United boss Alex Bruce will have to watch his team from the stands tomorrow after being hit by a touchline ban.

He was the subject of an FA charge following his stoppage-time dismissal during the League Two 1-0 loss at Bristol Rovers a fortnight ago.

The outcome is that the head coach has been found guilty and must serve a one-match suspension, which takes in this weekend's visit to Northampton Town.

Assistant head coach Steve Agnew will be in charge at pitchside as the Millers seek an eighth successive victory over the Cobblers and a climb into the top half of the table.

Bruce clashed with Paul Raynor when he went to retrieve the ball from the opposition dugout as his side chased a late equaliser and was prevented from doing so by the Rovers number two.

Raynor kicked the hand of Bruce who responded by pushing the Bristol man in the chest

Both of them received straight red cards from referee Darren Drysdale and were subsequently charged with acting in an improper manner and remaining in view of the pitch.

The Rotherham boss said after the incident: "It was a little bit naive on my part - going after the ball in the manner that I did a. One thing led to another, but the less said about it, the better."

He will be pleased that his punishment applies to only one fixture.

The 41-year-old was also fined £1,000 while Raynor’s financial sanction was £1,500.

A mass melee broke out on the touchline, and both clubs were charged with failing to prevent their players behaving in an improper and/or provocative manner. Each of them must pay a £1,000 fine.

Despite the ban, Bruce is still allowed to conduct post-match interviews at Sixfields Stadium, although that responsibility may fall on Agnew's shoulders.

Rotherham will set up a link so that he can be in touch with his backroom staff during the game.