NICKY FEATHERSTONE and Ryan Donaldson have both been suspended for two games.

The Hartlepool United pair were both sent off during Saturday’s home defeat to Dover Athletic.

The FA website has confirmed both dismissals were for offensive, insulting or abusive language, which was aimed at referee Joseph Johnson.

The Liverpool-based official caused controversy as he rejected three Pools penalty appeals in the second half in a game which was almost abandoned before half-time when Dover’s players claimed they were on the end of racist abuse, before a number of Pools players moved in to defend the opposition in front of the Town End at Victoria Park.

Captain Donaldson and midfielder Featherstone will both miss Tuesday’s home game with Chesterfield and Saturday’s trip to Eastleigh.