Ipswich Witches have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their crucial Premiership clash with Swindon Robins on Thursday, after the news that reserve Edward Kennett has been banned.

The Hastings-born racer has been handed a 10-day ban, along with two other riders, Craig Cook (12 days) and Claus Vissing (10 days) after a bad-tempered clash at Eastbourne recently.

Part of a Speedway Control Board statement read: "Over the last two weeks, the SCB Co Ordinator has requested witness statements from a number of licenced officials who were in attendance at the Eastbourne v Glasgow fixture on Saturday, August 3, and has reviewed video evidence from the scenes that happened prior to that fixture.

"It has proven that three riders, Craig Cook, Claus Vissing and Edward Kennett all Breached Speedway Regulation 3.2.8 which reads -

"Any act which is violent, threatening or abusive nature to any official, rider or any other person."

Witches promoter Chris Louis said: "I had not been aware that Edward had been involved in the incident that took place on 3rd August in a fixture between Eastbourne and Glasgow and had also not been notified that any such decision was pending.

"The handling of this situation by the SCB has been deplorable and in my opinion requires investigation.

"However, I agree that such behaviour cannot go unpunished and because of that, we will not be contesting the decision to ban Edward between the dates of 12.08.019 - 21.08.19 inclusive.

"I have subsequently spoken with Edward who on reflection is regretting his actions and would like to apologise to the club's fans as he feels he has let them down as he misses Thursday's meeting."

The Witches are second in the Premiership and Swindon on Thursday will offer another stiff test, led as they are by former world champion Jason Doyle and Aussie Troy Batchelor.