Burnley have confirmed they have failed to reduce James Tarkowski’s charge of violent conduct and the defender will now serve a three-match ban.
Tarkowski was involved in an off-the-ball altercation with Brighton striker Glenn Murray that went unnoticed by referee Chris Kavanagh during Burnley’s 0-0 draw with the Seagulls last weekend.
Burnley accepted the Football Association’s charge of violent conduct but hope to lessen the ban on appeal, which they have now confirmed they have failed to do.
Tarkowski will now miss Saturday’s home game against Tottenham, as well as the Boxing Day trip to Manchester United and match away to Huddersfield on December 30.
The 25-year-old has been a revelation for Burnley since stepping into defence this season and his absence will be a huge blow for Sean Dyche’s side over the festive period.
In fact, the Burnley defender is the highest WhoScored rated centre-back in the Premier League this season (7.40).