TORONTO – It took some time for the decision to come, but it was finally handed down on Wednesday and the news wasn’t good for Toronto FC.

An independent panel turned down TFC’s appeal to have Jozy Altidore’s suspension overturned, which means the American forward won’t be available for the Reds when they take on the Columbus Crew in next Tuesday’s first leg of the Eastern Conference final.

Toronto coach Greg Vanney confirmed the news to reporters after Wednesday’s practice.

"Ultimately, the referees had given [Altidore] a red card, and so the burden of proof for us was to unequivocally prove that what we think and what we understand to have [occurred] happened. We weren’t able to do that conclusively with the video [evidence submitted], because there’s still little gaps in the video that don’t give enough information for us to be able to prove [our case]," Vanney explained.

On Nov. 5, Altidore and New York Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan picked up red cards in the second leg of their playoff series for their parts in a halftime melee between both teams in the tunnel at BMO Field. As a result of the red card issued by referee Chris Penso, Altidore earned an automatic one-game suspension, ruling him out for the first leg of the Eastern final.

TFC contended that Kljestan came up on Altidore from behind in the tunnel and tried to grab him. Altidore admitted to pushing Kljestan away in response. The ruckus between the two teams appeared to have started from there. Altidore officially received his red card for "violent conduct."

Toronto’s appeal included presenting video evidence and witness testimony from players, team staff and stadium security who were there when the incident took place. The Reds’ case wasn’t reviewed by Major League Soccer, but rather an independent panel made up of one representative from the United States Soccer Federation, one from the Canadian Soccer Association and a former referee.

"I always knew it was going to be a difficult process for us, but we felt like it was worth us giving it a real shot. Based on all the video we have and the accounts that we have, our version [of what happened] is correct. It’s not wrong. That’s what we were going on," Vanney offered.

TFC’s coach admitted he wasn’t sure if MLS’ disciplinary committee was reviewing the incident. The disciplinary committee is separate from the independent panel that ruled on Toronto’s appeal, and it could add more games to Altidore’s suspension if it sees fit.

Vanney had a brief chat with Altidore after it was confirmed the suspension was upheld.

"He’s frustrated, but he’s going about his business. … We have to move on," Vanney said.

Altidore was not made available to speak to reporters after Wednesday’s practice.

Wednesday’s decision means Toronto will be without its top two scorers for next week’s game in Ohio. Italian forward Sebastian Giovinco picked up two yellow cards in the New York playoff series, thus earning a one-game suspension. Giovinco will be available for the second leg. In the meantime, he’s not changing anything about his mental approach or training routine knowing he won’t be able to play in Columbus.

"I try to work more than [normally] because I won’t play the first game," Giovinco said.

The Italian was yellow carded in the second leg against New York for arguing a call that didn’t go his way, feeling he was pushed by a Red Bulls defender as he tried to break in on goal.

"I think it was ridiculous. I said only to the referee he pushed me. I saw during the game that [other players went] face-to-face with the referee to say something more rough than me, and he gave me a yellow card for nothing," Giovinco said.

He later conceded that he was a bit too passionate when complaining to the referee, and accepted partial responsibility for drawing the yellow card.

TFC was without both Altidore and Giovinco for four games during the regular season, with the club earning mixed results: a 5-0 home win over Columbus and a 4-0 road victory versus Los Angeles; a 5-3 home loss to Montreal and a 2-1 setback in New England.

Giovinco (16 goals) and Altidore (15) accounted for 41.9 per cent of TFC’s league-leading 74 goals this season. Together, they combined for nine game-winning goals, with five from Altidore.

With Altidore and Giovinco unavailable, look for Canadian striker Tosaint Ricketts to lead the line for TFC in Columbus next week, and possibly see Spanish midfielder Victor Vazquez pushed forward in support. Another option would be keeping Vazquez in midfield, and playing Canadian Jonathan Osorio tucked in behind Ricketts.

Ricketts ranked fifth in team scoring this season with seven goals in 22 appearances. The Edmonton native only made nine starts, but one of them came in the 4-0 road win in L.A. on Sept. 16 when both Altidore and Giovinco were missing due to injuries. He also scored a brace in the Reds’ next game when both Altidore and Giovinco were again absent.

"He can help us win for sure. He’ll do a great job," Giovinco said of Ricketts.

Vanney has routinely touted the strength of his bench, referring to this TFC side as the deepest team in MLS. Without Altidore and Giovinco, the Reds will have another chance to back up their coach’s bold claim next Tuesday in Columbus.

"We have faith in the guys that we have. Those guys have stepped us and done well for us [in the past]. … These guys have experience and know what they’re dealing with. For us, it’s just to create a clear game plan and roles for all the guys who are going to be playing," Vanney said.

Toronto hosts Columbus in the second leg at BMO Field on Nov. 29.