Gervinho´s three-match ban stands

Arsenal forward Gervinho’s three-ban for slapping Joey Barton has been upheld by the FA.

The Gunners’ 10.5 million-pound summer signing was dismissed on his debut following a heated altercation with Newcastle United’s Joey Barton in the 75th minute of the Gunners’ English Premier League trip to St James’ Park on Saturday.

Arsenal had lodged an appeal, citing the three-game ban as excessive. But the FA rejected the claim on Tuesday, meaning the Ivorian will miss matches against Liverpool, Manchester United and Swansea.

Barton, notorious for his on-field and off-field controversy – and who was only recently placed on the transfer list by Newcastle following negative comments he made about the club’s hierarchy – incensed Gervinho when he forcefully pulled the former Lille striker from the ground after believing he had dived to win a penalty.

Gervinho was quick to remonstrate and as tempers flared he made contact to Barton’s face, with the midfielder falling to the ground with relative ease.

Barton later said he was wrong to flare the situation by dragging Gervinho by the shirt in the 0-0 draw.

“I should have let the referee handle it, who I thought was outstanding on the day. I felt disappointed by Gervinho trying to win a penalty, in my opinion he was seeking to gain an unfair advantage,” Barton said.