Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness stunned by three-week FA ban

The 59-year-old has also been fined £10,000 after admitting an FA charge of misconduct via social media.

Wyness admitted retweeting a comment on May 8 which was deemed both offensive and “aggravated” under FA rules as it included a reference to disability.

The Villa CEO apologised for his error at the time and claimed to have made an honest mistake but the FA has a rule of strict liability when it comes to the use of social media.

The FA statement read: “He (Wyness) admitted an FA charge that a comment he retweeted accompanied with a video was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute contrary to FA Rule E3(1).

“Furthermore, the breach was “aggravated” as defined in FA Rule E3(2), as it included a reference to disability.

“Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, Mr Wyness was also fined £10,000 and ordered to complete an education course.”

Wyness will have seven days to appeal his punishment once the FA commission has filed a written reason for their decision.

His punishment will then commence after the appeal period has expired, likely to be sometime in mid-June.

In a statement, Wyness expressed his remorse and frustration at having made “such a silly mistake”.

He said: “When my error was first brought to my attention by a supporter, I immediately deleted the retweet and issued a public apology.

“I’d like to reiterate that I have always sought to promote the interests of people with disabilities in football and I am actively rebuilding the Aston Villa Foundation with disability as one of its key pillars. This is a topic I’ve regularly discussed with our Fans Consultation Group and it’s something I’m feel extremely passionate about.

“My record in football has been spotless until this event. I am both surprised and disappointed at the severity of the punishment. I will go to my grave knowing it was an honest mistake.”