Former Carlisle United defender Pascal Chimbonda has been handed a five-game stadium ban in his non-league managerial role.

The ex-Premier League player has been punished for actions during his Skelmersdale United side's recent game against Barnoldswick Town.

Chimbonda's sanction is for "improper conduct" but his club believe the punishment is disproportionate and have launched an appeal.

In a statement, the North West Counties League Premier Division side said: "Pascal would like to state that although he pleaded guilty to the offence of leaving his technical area, he did so with the sole intention of preventing his players from getting hurt in a melee which had developed on the field of play.

"The club have appealed against the severity of the punishment as it doesn’t appear to be proportionate with the offence.

"Particular[ly] as his previous disciplinary record is totally unblemished. The club won’t be releasing any further statements until the outcome of the appeal.

France international Chimbonda, who played for United in the 2013/14 season, was appointed to his first managerial job at Skelmersdale in October.

The Barnoldswick game, a 4-1 win for Chimbonda's side, came just two weeks into his tenure.

Skelmersdale sit bottom of the table by a five-point margin after 24 games.

Chimbonda took the top job after a playing career which included top-flight spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland.

The former defender, 44, went on to play for United under Graham Kavanagh in 2013/14, Chimbonda making 28 outings as the Blues were relegated from League One.