The Reds will have to cope without defensive leader Martin Skrtel this weekend…
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has slammed the FA over their ‘unjust’ decision to stand-by a three-game ban for defender Martin Skrtel, who will be sidelined for Saturday’s crucial game with Arsenal.
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As the Daily Mirror reports, the Slovakian was adjudged to have intentionally left his studs on Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, as the Reds chased a late equaliser in last month’s 2-1 defeat at Anfield.
We submitted an appeal over the initial decision, but were once again left disappointed as the case was thrown out.
As a result, Skrtel will also miss the FA Cup quarter-final replay against Blackburn Rovers and the Premier League clash with Newcastle United, meaning Dejan Lovren or Kolo Toure will likely step in.
A frustrated Rodgers said today: “I was disappointed our appeal did not succeed as I thought it was unjust in terms of him getting the ban.”
He added at the time: “I have seen the Martin Skrtel incident. The ball was played through but it probably looks worse in slow motion.
“It looks like he is trying to get a nick on the ball, to get a toe on the ball but the ball went into the goalkeepers hand. Martin is not that type of player, he was just a fraction out.”
The 30-year-old was equally disappointed with the decision. He appeared to label the FA as ‘clowns’ in the immediate aftermath of their decision, posting a picture of several of the entertainers on his Instagram account.