Tuesday 10 January 2017 17:28, UK
Daniel Ayala will serve a three-game ban after his claim for wrongful dismissal in Middlesbrough's FA Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday was rejected.
The Middlesbrough defender was shown a straight red card after bringing down Fernando Forestieri an hour into his side's 3-0 third-round win over Wednesday at the weekend.
The 26-year-old Spaniard will be suspended "with immediate effect" after having wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment claims rejected by an independent regulatory commission following the incident.
Ayala's ban will start straight away, meaning he will be unavailable for his side's trip to Watford on Saturday.
A Football Association statement read: "Daniel Ayala will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after his wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment claims were unsuccessful, following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.
"The Middlesbrough defender was sent off for serious foul play during the Emirates FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday [8 January 2017]."
Ayala was sent off seconds after the hosts went in front through Grant Leadbitter, before goals from Alvaro Negredo and Marten de Roon sealed the win.
Middlesbrough have been handed a home tie against Sky Bet League Two side Accrington Stanley in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
