Kompany ban stands

MANCHESTER City centre back Vincent Kompany will serve a four-match ban after the FA dismissed his appeal against the red card he was shown in Sunday’s FA Cup defeat by Manchester United.

The club’s influential captain was sent off just 12 minutes into the third round tie for a clumsy two-footed challenge on United winger Nani as the holders were beaten 3-2 in a thrilling game. City manager Roberto Mancini had been confident of winning the appeal but must now do without the Belgian for both legs of the Carling Cup semi-final against Liverpool as well as league matches against Wigan and Tottenham. “The suspension consists of a statutory three-match suspension for serious foul play plus one additional game given this is Kompany’s second dismissal of the season,” said the FA statement.