Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips was yesterday dealt a three-match ban for a retaliatory kick on Rory Delap, the Stoke City midfielder, late last month.

Delap was dismissed instantly for recklessly hack at the former Chelsea man, whose reaction was not spotted by referee Martin Atkinson during the clash at the Britannia Stadium.

However, upon watching video replays of the incident, Atkinson told the FA (Football Association) disciplinary panel that he would have shown Wright-Phillips a red card had he seen it then and there.

Thus, the 27-year-old will miss City's next three Premier League games, but Delap shares Sky Blues boss Mark Hughes' belief that the player's outburst was completely understandable.

"It would probably be harsh for him to get banned from any games. After what I did, his reaction towards me was to be expected really," the Irishman told BBC Radio Stoke.

Delap had few complaints over his own suspension, as in hindsight he has come to accept that his challenge on Wright-Phillips was a poor one.

"I didn't see any red mist or anything like that. I went to play the ball again and I shouldn't have done," said the Potters' throw-in king.

"I thought a red card was a bit harsh but it's one of those things. Seeing it on television, it does look a lot worse than when I was doing it."