TROWBRIDGE footballer Chris Stokes has been suspended for one match and ordered to attend an FA education course after he admitted breaching FA rules which related to the use of social media.

The Coventry City player was charged for a comment he made which was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper. It was further alleged that it was an “Aggravated Breach” as it included a reference to sexual orientation.

Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, the player was also fined £1,000 and warned as to his future conduct.

Stokes had accepted the misconduct charge regarding a Twitter remark towards Chelsea and Tottenham players during their Premier League match earlier this month.

The former Trowbridge Town and Trowbridge Wanderers player, 25, sent the message on social media during the match on May 2, which finished in a 2-2 draw and resulted in Leicester being crowned Premier League champions.

Defender Stokes tweeted: "This games embarrassing to watch! Bunch of f*****s".

He later posted an apology on Twitter, and in a May 3 statement said on the Coventry website: "I'd like to apologise for any offence I've caused.

"It was a brainless moment from me and I'm really disappointed in myself for using that term, I'm not homophobic at all.

"However, I know it is not acceptable by any means and I'm really sorry to any of our supporters or anyone in the wider public who have been offended by the remark."

Stokes started his professional career as a trainee at Bolton Wanderers and also had a loan spell at Crewe Alexandra as well as playing for Forest Green Rovers.