Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy accepted a Football Association (FA) charge of serious foul play during Sunday's English Premier League match against Arsenal, his club said in a statement on Tuesday.
Van Nistelrooy caught Arsenal defender Ashley Cole with his studs in United's 2-0 win at Old Trafford, which ended the champions unbeaten Premier League run of 49 matches.
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"Ruud has accepted the automatic penalty of a three-match suspension and Manchester United fully supports Ruud's decision."
The Dutchman said he accepted responsibility for the incident but added that he had not intended to hurt Cole.
"Throughout my 10-year career I believe my disciplinary record is very good, not only for Manchester United but at all clubs," Van Nistelrooy said.
"I accept the charge brought by the FA and I take full responsibility.
"There was no deliberate intent to harm Ashley Cole and I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to him."
