In contrast, football players are given a mere yellow card (which does not automatically mean leaving play) for a first offence.

ECONOMIST: Cheating in sport

However, it advises that in "exceptional circumstances", listed as violence against staff or pupils, sexual abuse, drug dealing or carrying a weapon, it may be appropriate to exclude a child for a first offence.

BBC: Lessons 'tougher for male staff'

If the panel treated the 2006 violation as a first offence and cut the ban to two years, he could be reinstated in May, giving him time to qualify for the US Olympic Athletics Trials from 27 June.

BBC: Gatlin won the 100m title at the Athens Olympics in 2004

The Task Force suggested the application of sanctions in two stages, with the threat of "a warning, a fine or the playing of a match behind closed doors" for "a first or minor offence".

CNN: FIFA Task Force outlines anti-racism fight

Earlier this year Russia made insider trading a criminal offence for the first time.

ECONOMIST: The fight against crooked trading gathers pace

Hampshire PC Mark Walsh hopes to set up a scheme so young people can decide punishments for peers committing their first crime - if it is a minor offence.

BBC: A Hampshire PC hopes to set up youth 'peer courts'

Ten minutes after the break referee Andre Marriner sent Boyce off for a second bookable offence (the first was for unsporting behaviour) after he was adjudged to have fouled Ameobi, despite getting the ball.

BBC: Newcastle 2-2 Wigan

Williams was handed a six month jail sentence for the first dangerous driving conviction, 10 months for the second offence, and a further six months for failing to answer bail at that start of his trial.

BBC: Snowdon 4x4 case: Craig Williams jailed for 22 months

But he avoided a fine as match referee Roshan Mahanama took into account that it was his first such offence.

BBC: Cricket World Cup: Ireland captain reprimanded by ICC