Naismith facing FIFA ban for elbow

Scotland forward Steven Naismith could miss the next three internationals after an incident with Serbia’s Srdan Mijailovic.

FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Naismith after he was caught on camera elbowing Mijailovic during the goalless draw in the 2014 World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

Referee Jonas Eriksson and his officials missed the incident and therefore did not inflict a penalty at the time.

However, FIFA regulation makes it possible for TV evidence to be used to help determine whether the Everton striker is guilty of the offence and impose a suitable penalty.

FIFA confirmed that this particular case is being investigated.

“We can confirm that FIFA has now opened disciplinary proceedings against the player Steven Naismith,” a statement read.

If the forward is given a suspension he would miss the Group A games against Wales and Belgium, plus a friendly against Luxembourg.

Apart from suspending a player for three matches, the disciplinary committee can ban a player for two months and also impose a fine up to 32,900 pounds.