Simon Francis of Bournemouth to serve three-match ban
Thursday 5 January 2017 17:46, UK
Bournemouth captain Simon Francis will serve a three-game ban after losing an appeal against the red card he received during Tuesday's draw with Arsenal.
Francis was shown a straight red by referee Michael Oliver following a challenge on Gunners midfielder Aaron Ramsey.
The score was 3-2 to Bournemouth at the time, Arsenal having hit back after falling 3-0 behind, and the Londoners went on to grab a late equaliser following Francis' dismissal.
The Cherries attempted to get the sending off overturned but the FA confirmed in a statement on Thursday evening that the appeal had been unsuccessful, meaning Francis must sit out the FA Cup third-round tie against Millwall, followed by league games against Hull and Watford.
An FA statement read: "Simon Francis will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after his claim of wrongful dismissal was rejected today, following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.
"The Bournemouth defender was sent off for serious foul play during the game against Arsenal on Tuesday 3 January 2017."
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe said after the Arsenal game that he felt Francis had been unfortunate.
"I didn't think it was a sending off on first view," he said.
"I don't think his feet were raised enough on contact to warrant a red card. That was my view the first time and my view when I watched it again. So I think we were harshly treated there."
