FORMER Dover Athletic striker Ricky Miller will miss the start of next season after receiving a six-game ban for biting an opponent.
Miller, 28, was named the National League Player of the Year following a fantastic campaign with the Whites, scoring 42 times in all competitions.
He was duly snapped up by League One outfit Peterborough United but he will have to wait to make his competitive Posh debut.
Forward Miller was charged in April with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 following an incident in Dover’s National League game at Guiseley on March 25.
The ex-Luton man scored twice and also hit the woodwork in the Whites’ 4-0 win but it is believed an investigation was sparked after an incident between the striker and a Guiseley player in the 54th minute at Nethermoor.
Miller denied the original charge and requested a personal hearing but has since been banned for six-games after being found guilty of violent conduct. He claims, however, that he was forced to bite the Guiseley player as he was struggling to breathe.
In a statement, Miller said: “I would just like to take this opportunity to put into a bit of context the six-match ban that I have received from the Football Association relating to an incident while playing for Dover Athletic at the back end of last season.
“Whilst I apologise for my actions, I was in a situation in which I was struggling to breathe. I was being held in a head lock by an opponent for six seconds, and felt it was my only option to get out of it which was acknowledged by the Football Association when the ban was reduced.
“It is important to put the incident into a bit of context because I am aware without knowing the full story, people can make judgements, which are not accurate.
“It will be frustrating to miss the start of the season, but I will be working extremely hard during the pre-season campaign to get myself in the best possible shape to be ready for when I can be called upon for selection.
“I am delighted to be playing for Peterborough United Football Club, everybody has made me feel welcome and I am looking forward to repaying the faith shown in me.”
