Hassan Kachloul has escaped with a one-match ban and a £2,000 fine following his sending-off against Leeds.

The Saints midfielder was hauled before the FA for flicking his head aggressively towards Lee Bowyer after receiving the first red card of his career.

Kachloul pleaded guilty to the charge which was reduced from violent conduct to improper conduct and he apologised to the disciplinary panel.

But he insisted he was provoked by the verbal and physical reactions of the Leeds players.

The disciplinary panel accepted the substantial mitigation and the fact he has already been fined around £4,000 by Saints.

The FA could have suspended him for three games - or even longer. But he has effectively been given a slap on the wrist as well as the option of serving the ban immediately rather than waiting 14 days.

Saints have agreed to that so the Moroccan will now miss Saturday's home game against Bradford.

Kachloul said: "Technically I had to plead guilty because I touched him, but I did not hurt him.

"But I apologised because I should not have reacted like that. It is not in my character and it has not happened before.

"I am at ease with my own conscience over what happened and I am glad that the FA listened to me and understood what happened.

"There was a lot of provocation by Leeds players on the way to the dressing room and I accept that I reacted in the wrong way.

"I was not happy with the two bookings. The first was for nothing and the second was for helping a team-mate who was being attacked.

" I had a fair hearing and I would probably have settled for this punishment beforehand although I would have preferred a bigger fine and no ban because I just want to play.

"At least I can serve the suspension this Saturday and get it out of the way. I just want to put it all behind me, forget about it and get on with playing football."