City lose Balotelli appeal

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has lost his appeal against his three-match ban after being sent off against West Brom on Sunday. The Football Association upheld the straight red card that Balotelli was shown for a tangle with Youssouf Mulumbu. An FA statement said: "At a Regulatory Commission hearing, a claim that the standard punishment is clearly excessive from Manchester City's Mario Balotelli was dismissed. As a result, Balotelli will serve a three match suspension with immediate effect." The decision means the 20-year-old Italy international will miss not only the Manchester derby but also the visit of Birmingham and the subsequent trip to Fulham.

Source: PA

Source: PA