Liverpool's Martin Skrtel 'to escape FA action for clown picture following ban'

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel will reportedly not face any further action from the Football Association for posting a picture of clowns on social media after he was banned for three games.

The 30-year-old was handed the punishment yesterday after appearing to stamp on the ankle of Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea during last Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Anfield.

Liverpool contested the FA charge, but the English governing body decided to uphold the ban, which seemingly prompted Skrtel to upload a picture of three clowns to Instagram.

According to The Express, the FA is aware of the photo but has decided against taking any further action against Skrtel, who will miss Premier League games against Arsenal and Newcastle United, as well as Liverpool's FA Cup quarter-final replay against Blackburn Rovers.

The Reds will also be without captain Steven Gerrard for those games as he was handed a straight red card for stamping on Ander Herrera 38 seconds after coming off the bench on Sunday.