Liverpool's Martin Skrtel steps on Manchester United's David De GeaPhil Noble/Reuters
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has been banned for three matches after failing to overturn a charge for stamping on the leg of Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea during a Premier League game.
The Football Association's Independent Regulatory Commission rejected Skrtel's appeal on Wednesday, leaving Liverpool without its most consistent defender this season for league matches against Arsenal and Newcastle and an FA Cup quarterfinal replay against Blackburn.
The incident occurred in the last seconds of Liverpool's 2-1 loss to United at Anfield on Sunday, as Skrtel chased the ball that was gathered by De Gea. The incident was missed by the referee, but was caught on video.
Captain Steven Gerrard is also suspended for three matches after being red-carded for a stamp 38 seconds after coming on as a substitute against United.