Markovic to miss Europa League final after appeal rejected

Lazar Markovic will not feature for Benfica in the UEFA Europa League final after his appeal against a red card was dismissed.

The Serbia international was dismissed by referee Mark Clattenburg three minutes after being substituted in his side’s last-four second leg with Juventus after clashing with Mirko Vucinic.

Benfica opted to appeal against the decision in order to ensure Markovic could play in Wednesday’s final against Sevilla, but UEFA have rejected the Portuguese champions’ plea.

“The UEFA Appeals Body today rejected the appeal of SL Benfica against the red card shown to Lazar Markovic during their UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg versus Juventus on 1 May,” the governing body announced.

“Therefore, the Control and Disciplinary Body decision of 6 May is upheld. This verdict is final.

“As a result, the forward is suspended from tonight’s final against Sevilla FC to be played at Juventus Stadium.”

Benfica will also be without midfielder Enzo Perez and Eduardo Salvio for the clash in Turin.