Olivier Giroud blasts FA over ban

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has slammed the FA's decision to uphold his suspension for his red card at the weekend.

The Frenchman was shown a straight red by referee Andre Marriner for a foul on Fulham defender Stanislav Manolev during the Gunners' 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage and will now miss the next three of the club's remaining four fixtures this season.

The 26-year-old insists that he slipped prior to the challenge and was shocked to learn the verdict of England's governing body.

"I was very surprised at the verdict as my action was unintentional," Giroud told The Sun.

"It does not hurt me but the rules in England are really very harsh. Very harsh indeed."

Giroud will miss Arsenal's matches with Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers and Wigan Athletic.