Carlton defender Chris Yarran has been given a three-game ban by the AFL tribunal for punching Essendon opponent Paul Chapman in the head.

Yarran pleaded guilty to the striking charge, which was referred directly to the tribunal by the league’s match review panel.

The 24-year-old, who was fronting the tribunal for the first time in his 108-game career, will miss clashes with St Kilda, Collingwood and Brisbane.