Maidstone midfielder Michael Phillips will miss the start of next season after being handed a three-match ban.

Phillips has been punished for comments made to the referee who showed him a second yellow card for taking a quick free-kick during United's 1-0 defeat at Hornchurch in April.

The 31-year-old, who is working his way back to fitness after a summer knee operation, said: "Playing Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday I'll be able to get the suspension out of the way quickly.

"I'm gutted to miss the start of the season but I should be in top shape by the time I can play.

"I couldn't believe I'd been sent off for taking a quick free-kick. I lost it with the referee and he reported me."

Read the full interview with Phillips on his knee op in Friday's Kent Messenger