Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel banned for three games after losing appeal

Martin Skrtel has lost his appeal against a Football Association charge of violent conduct and been banned from Liverpool's next three games against Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.

The Slovakian defender was charged by the Football Association on Monday after it was deemed that he intentionally trod on Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea in the closing stages of Sunday's Premier League match at Anfield.

Skrtel yesterday challenged the ruling, arguing that it was an accidental movement.

However, an independent FA regulatory commission has decided that Skrtel was guilty of violent conduct.

The 30-year-old also appeared to hit out at the FA by posting a picture of some clowns on Instagram this morning.