Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy handed three-match ban

Jamie Vardy has lost his appeal for an unfair dismissal against Stoke City and will now miss Leicester City's next three Premier League matches.

The England international was shown a straight red in the first half of the Foxes' eventual 2-2 draw at the bet365 Stadium for a two-footed tackle on Mame Biram Diouf.

Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri hinted after the match that Leicester would fight the sending-off, and the defending champions confirmed on Monday evening that an appeal had indeed been lodged.

City felt that Vardy was knocked off balance when making the challenge, but referee Craig Pawson's decision has now been upheld by the Football Association, ruling the 29-year-old out of games with Everton, West Ham United and Middlesbrough over the Christmas and New Year period.

Vardy has scored five goals in 17 top-flight appearances this term - three of which came against Manchester City earlier this month.