Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel banned for three matches for David de Gea stamp

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has been banned for three matches after being found guilty of violent conduct by the Football Association for stamping on Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea during the Premier League match at Anfield.

Skrtel saw his appeal against the charge upheld and will miss the Premier League matches against Arsenal and Newcastle United as well as the FA Cup quarter-final replay with Blackburn Rovers.

The FA independent commission have found Skrtel guilty retrospectively after the incident in stoppage time in the 2-1 loss was missed by the on-field officials including referee Martin Atkinson.

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

"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."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said after the incident: "The ball was played through but it probably looks worse in slow motion. It looks like he is trying to get a nick on the ball, to get a toe on it the ball went into the goalkeeper's hands. Martin is not that type of player, he was just a fraction out."

The absence of Skrtel is the fourth confirmed blow suffered by Liverpool in the wake of falling five points behind United courtesy of Juan Mata's double.

Captain Steven Gerrard will miss three games after being shown a straight red card for a stamp on Ander Herrera while the fitness of Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge is also a concern after both players withdrew from the England squad due to respective groin injuries.

Reports suggest Raheem Sterling will follow Lallana and Sturridge in pulling out of the squad after the European Championship qualifier against Lithuania, missing the friendly against Italy, due to an ongoing toe complaint.