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Championship: Aitor Karanka given one-match ban after Middlesbrough boss admits improper conduct charge

Aitor Karanka the Middlesbrough manager reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Charlton Athletic and Boro
Image: Aitor Karanka: has apologised for behaviour

Aitor Karanka has been banned from the Middlesbrough dugout for Saturday's Sky live Championship game against Derby.

The Spaniard admitted a Football Association charge of improper conduct after he was sent to the stands during last month's draw with Blackburn, and an Independent Regulatory Commission handed down a one-match touchline suspension.

Karanka was also fined £2000 and must watch from the stands on Saturday as Boro aim to replace Derby at the top of the table with victory at the Riverside.

He denied shoving the fourth official after a late Blackburn equaliser at the Riverside on November 29 but did apologise for his reaction to the goal.

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Speaking earlier this month he said: "My behaviour was not good and Middlesbrough Football Club deserves better from me. But it was tough to take because we had worked so hard for 92, 93 minutes and what we had worked so hard for was almost in our grasp.

"I was sent to the stands for pushing the fourth official but I was arguing with him, not touching him. I thought the goal should have been disallowed for a foul on the keeper."

Watch Middlesbrough v Derby live on Sky Sports 1 this Saturday. Coverage begins at 12pm.

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