Mario Balotelli’s three-match ban for a red card against West Brom has been upheld by the Football Association following an appeal. The Italian international will now miss the Manchester derby, the visit of Birmingham and the trip to Fulham.

The FA released the following statement:

'At a Regulatory Commission hearing today, a claim that the standard punishment is clearly excessive from Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli was dismissed. As a result, Balotelli will serve a three match suspension with immediate effect.'