FULHAM top-scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic has been handed an eight-game ban, meaning his first game back is set to be at Saints in May.

However, the Football Association feels the punishment is too lenient and intends to appeal for a longer suspension which would see him miss the St Mary’s clash.

The 28-year-old Serbia international was given the lengthy suspension after he was dismissed during the Cottagers’ FA Cup semi-final at Manchester United last month after grabbing referee Chris Kavanagh.

Mitrovic received a standard three-match ban, but that has been extended by three games for violent conduct towards a match official and another two matches added for using language that was “improper, abusive, insulting and threatening”.

A further £40,000 penalty was issued against the Cottagers for failing to control their players.

Having already missed one game, he will now be unavailable for Fulham’s next seven matches.

Mitrovic is Fulham’s top scorer with 12 goals this season – seven more than his nearest challenger – and his absence comes with the team sitting in 10th place.

Fulham are set to visit St Mary’s on Saturday, May 13 (3PM) in what will be the club’s penultimate game at their home stadium. Fixtures versus Brighton and Liverpool will follow to finish the season.

Mitrovic is set to miss matches against relegation rivals West Ham, Everton and Leeds United before potentially being available to face Saints.