ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:ARSENAL STRIKER Gervinho will serve his three-match ban for violent conduct after the English FA dismissed his appeal yesterday following his red card in Saturday's Premier League game at Newcastle.

The 24-year-old Ivory Coast forward was sent off for striking Joey Barton following what the home side claimed was a dive in the penalty area.

On Monday, the Gunners lodged a claim that the standard three-game ban was “clearly excessive”, but an FA regulatory commission heard the case yesterday and ruled that the punishment should stand.

“Arsenal’s Gervinho has had his three-match suspension for violent conduct confirmed today,” read an FA statement.

“Arsenal subsequently lodged a claim that the standard punishment of three matches was clearly excessive.

“A commission heard the claim today and dismissed it, meaning the player must serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect.”