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The Liverpool defender was charged with violent conduct after treading on the Manchester United keeper during Sunday’s clash at Anfield.

Skrtel was informed of his fate this morning and took to social media to express his displeasure.

He posted a picture on Instagram of a set of clowns and wrote: "...".

The FA released the following statement:

"Liverpool's Martin Skrtel will serve a three match suspension with immediate effect after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven.

"The defender had denied the charge which related to an on-field incident involving Manchester United's David de Gea in the 95th minute of Sunday's game which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

"However, an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today found the charge proven."

Referee Martin Atkinson did not see the incident involving Skrtel.

The Slovakian hard-man yesterday denied his violent conduct charge, claiming the contact was accidental.

But an independent panel upheld the charge and have slapped the centre-back with a ban.

It means Skrtel will miss Liverpool’s vital top-four clash with Arsenal.

He will also miss the game with Newcastle as well as the FA Cup quarter-final replay against Blackburn.

Liverpool lost the game 2-1 to put a major dent in their Champions League hopes.

Captain Steven Gerrard was sent off just seconds after coming on as a half-time sub after stamping on United's Ander Herrera on a damaging day for Brendan Rodgers' side.