Wednesday 24 May 2017

Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny set to miss FA Cup final after red card appeal rejected


Image result for Coscieny's red card photos
Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny will serve a three-match ban and miss Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea after the Football Association rejected an appeal of wrongful dismissal.

Koscielny, 31, was sent off during Arsenal's 3-1 Premier League win against Everton on Sunday following a reckless tackle on Enner Valencia.

But while an appeal against the dismissal was lodged by Arsenal, the FA has announced that the France international will be suspended for three games -- the FA Cup final and the first two Premier League matches of next season.

"Laurent Koscielny will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after a claim of wrongful dismissal was unsuccessful," an FA statement read.

"The Arsenal defender was sent off for serious foul play during the game against Everton on Sunday [21 May 2017]. An Independent Regulatory Commission heard the case today [Tuesday 23 May 2017]."

The news comes as a huge blow to Arsenal, who are hoping to salvage a disappointing season -- that saw them finish fifth in the Premier League and miss out on Champions League qualification -- with FA Cup success.

Arsenal look to already be without fellow centre-back Gabriel Paulista, who was forced off against Everton with a knee injury, for Saturday's game, while Shkodran Mustafi is also a doubt.

Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker may be called upon by manager Arsene Wenger, though he has made only one appearance all season -- coming off the bench against Everton -- following fitness issues.

Wenger said after the Everton game that Koscielny's red card "was harsh, but we have to accept the decision."

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