Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel to serve three-game ban for stamp on David de Gea

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has been slapped with a three-match ban after losing his appeal against an FA violent conduct charge.

The Slovakia international was charged after Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United after TV footage showed him appearing to stamp on David de Gea in the dying seconds of the Anfield clash.

Skrtel appealed to an independent panel sitting in judgement on the matter on the basis his action was accidental and not intentional.

However, the panel upheld the original ruling and the 30-year-old will now miss Premier League games against Arsenal and Newcastle, as well as the FA Cup quarter-final replay at Blackburn.

In a statement the Football Association confirmed the punishment, saying: "Liverpool's Martin Skrtel will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven.

"The defender had denied the charge which related to an on-field incident involving Manchester United's David de Gea in the 95th minute of Sunday's game which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

"However, an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today found the charge proven."