Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny will miss Saturday’s FA Cup final and the first two Premier League games of next season after the FA rejected his appeal for wrongful dismissal.
The France international was red carded in the first half of Sunday’s 3-1 win over Everton, which significantly hinders the Gunners’ chances of overcoming Chelsea on Saturday.
“Laurent Koscielny will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after a claim of wrongful dismissal was unsuccessful,” a statement read on the FA’s official website.
“The Arsenal defender was sent off for serious foul play during the game against Everton on Sunday.
“An Independent Regulatory Commission heard the case today.”
Koscielny was a key man for the Gunners in the Premier League this season, with his WhoScored rating (7.25) one of the best for Arsenal.
The 31-year-old started 33 of 38 top-flight games for Arsene Wenger’s side this term and his absence against Chelsea leaves the Frenchman was a defensive shortage after Gabriel Paulista was stretchered off in the victory over the Toffees at the weekend.
For more stats on Laurent Koscielny, click here to view his WhoScored player page
