Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has seen his appeal against a two-match ban turned down.
Mascherano was found guilty of improper conduct after being sent off at Manchester United on 23 March, banned for two extra games and fined £15,000.
He appealed on the grounds that the punishment was excessive but this was dismissed by the FA’s Appeals Panel.
The midfielder, 23, was initially fined two weeks’ wages by his club and banned for one game by the FA.
Mascherano has since apologised, stating: “I made a mistake and I regret this mistake. It was my fault. I apologise to everyone.
“I reacted badly to the red card because I could not believe what was happening to me.”
