Sheffield Wednesday forward Fernando Forestieri has been handed a six-game ban after being found guilty of using the N-word during a pre-season game in 2018.

The Football Association has dished out the suspension following an investigation into the incident that occurred between the Argentinian, whose first language is Spanish, and Mansfield Town player Krystian Pearce during a pre-season game in July 2018.

A report released by the governing body on Wednesday revealed Forestieri is alleged to have called Pearce a 'n*****' during a confrontation.

Sheffield Wddnesday's Fernando Forestieri has been banned for six matches by the FA

The Owls forward denied using the N-word, but did admit to using other abusive Spanish words towards Pearce.

Forestieri was acquitted of any criminal charges during a court case in relation to the incident in March.

Nevertheless, the FA confirmed the six-game suspension and a £25,000 fine in a statement on Wednesday.

Forestieri has also been warned over his conduct and must attend a face-to-face education course.

The forward is appealing the ruling, meaning he is free to play until the hearing is completed.

Forestieri was left 'devastated' at the verdict and immediately announced he plans to appeal

From the start of next season, the minimum ban for proven racial abuse will be six games - a rule change that was confirmed by the FA on Wednesday.

But Forestieri's case was tried under last season's regulations, when the minimum suspension for aggravated breaches was five games.

The 29-year-old was handed an extra game ban because of the words he is alleged to have used, while his actions in the aftermath of the incident sparked a mass brawl.

'I am devastated and disappointed with the decision of the Regulatory Commission,' Forestieri said in a statement issued by his club.

'Throughout that period of time, throughout both the criminal proceedings and the FA's disciplinary proceedings, I have consistently and strenuously denied the allegations that have been made against me.

The comments were made to defender Krystian Pearce and they sparked a brawl on the pitch

'Whilst I was shocked and saddened to face criminal charges regarding this matter, I was equally happy to be found not guilty of those charges in March 2019 by the criminal court and considered that to be the end of a very distressing time. As I said at the time, I felt vindicated by the decision of the judge.

'To discover I would then have to face an FA charge was devastating. But I truly believed that these erroneous allegations would be dismissed and my good name upheld.

Forestieri added: 'The decision goes against everything about the person I am and the person I was brought up to be.

'It is absolutely no comfort to me that, when charging me with misconduct, the FA were very clear that they did not consider me to be racist but instead believed that I had acted in the "heat of the moment".'