Lee Johnson reacts as Sunderland assistant hit with SIX game ban by FA

McAllister was charged with violent and/or improper conduct as a result of the controversial scenes in Sunderland's 3-1 win over Oxford United on Good Friday.

After that game Oxford boss Karl Robinson had threatened to involve the police over incidents in the tunnel at half time, though that did not come to pass.

Robinson himself was then hit with the same charge, after already been given a fine and a one-match touchline ban for his conduct toward referee Trevor Kettle during the game.

Robinson has been handed a four-game touchline ban, which will apply for the entirety of the play-off campaign.

Sunderland are set to appeal McAllister's ban.

As it stands, he will not be able to attend either of the play-off semi finals against Lincoln City.

"Jamie McAllister has got a six-game ban," Johnson said.

"As it stands, he's been charged and has a six-game ban. Three of those are stadium bans, three of those are touchline bans.

"We have the chance to appeal, and our early thought process is that we will as we believe it's unjust."

Robinson confirmed his ban earlier today, saying: “It’s something we always knew was coming, I’ve got no remorse for what I’ve done.

"I’ve got a duty of care to stand up for anyone who wears our badge, it’s how I’ve been brought up.

“The panel were quite fair, they were quite clear with the situation. I think the FA showed me a bit of respect.”

McAllister's absence saw Grant Leadbitter take up coaching responsibilities before his second-half introduction.