MORECAMBE cricketer Faruk Patel has been banned for 12 games after allegedly hitting a Blackpool player.

Last month an air ambulance was called to Woodhill Lane to take David Bartholomew to hospital with a broken jaw. Bartholomew himself was banned for four games by the Vaux Northern Cricket Disciplinary Committee for his part in the fracas. Another Blackpool player, Jabbir Namajee, was also banned for three games.

Patel will only serve seven games next season as he has already sat out five games waiting for the judgement.

Officials and players at the Morecambe club were reportedly pleased that it was officially recognised that Blackpool cricketers played their part in the fracas. Patel is on police bail until October 1.

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