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

Martin Skrtel has been suspended for three matches after being found guilty of violent conduct.

Skrtel was charged with the offence for stamping on Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield on Sunday.

The incident happened in the latter stages of the game as Liverpool went in search of an equaliser, but it was missed by referee Martin Atkinson.

A three-man panel of former elite officials reviewed the footage independently of each other and ruled that it warranted a red card, resulting in Skrtel being charged with violent conduct.

He contested the charge, but an independent panel dismissed his claims that it was accidental, meaning he will now serve a three-match ban.

Skrtel will now miss the Premier League games at Arsenal and at home to Newcastle, as well as the FA Cup quarter-final replay with Blackburn.
“Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven,” a statement from the FA read.

“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.”

Credit: Michelle/Setanta Sport

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