DARREN Manning has been handed a three-match stadium ban, four months after clashing with a match official.

The Hullbridge Sports boss was sent to the stands during the Essex Senior League high-flyers’ 4-3 victory over Sporting Bengal United in November.

But Manning does not believe his absence will affect Sports’ title bid.

“There’s no chance of me not being there affecting our title push at all,” added Manning.

“The players are well drilled and they will be in capable hands with assistant manager James Wakeling.

“He, along with the other members of my coaching staff, will make sure that there are no issues whatsoever.

“I have total confidence in my backroom staff because they are top notch.

“Our results on the pitch will not suffer because of me not being in the dugout.”

Manning - whose are just a point adrift of Essex Senior League leaders Stansted with a game in hand - will now miss home clashes with Hoddesdon Town and Southend Manor, along with a trip to Enfield.

And Manning is disappointed to have received a worse sanction than a Premier League chief who made national headlines following his outburst at the officials last month.

“It is what it is, but I feel as though I have been treated harshly,” said Manning.

“Only a few weeks ago, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino walked onto the pitch, shouted in the referee’s face and only got a two-game touchline ban.”

Manning admits another ban is pending after being sent off at Walthamstow last month.

But he is disappointed with how long it has taken for his three-match stadium ban to be ratified.

“I have another ban pending after being sent off against Walthamstow,” confirmed Manning.

“But I find how long it has taken them to give me the stadium ban really frustrating.

“It has taken them four months and I think it should be dealt with straightaway, like it is with the players.

“I’m likely to tone it down on the sidelines now, but I just want to win football matches and lead us to the title.”