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Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny banned for Chelsea FA Cup final after red card appeal rejected
ARSENAL'S appeal against Laurent Koscielny's red card has failed and he will miss Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea.
Arsenal agree new contracts with Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Francis Coquelin
Koscielny was sent off after a wild tackle on Everton's Enner Valencia.
After the match Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger claimed the decision was harsh saying: “It looked spectacular but when you watch it again it’s a bit harsh."
But the Football Association has rejected Arsenal's appeal.
The statement said: "Laurent Koscielny will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after a claim of wrongful dismissal was unsuccessful.
"The Arsenal defender was sent off for serious foul play during the game against Everton on Sunday [21 May 2017].
Laurent Koscielny will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after a claim of wrongful dismissal was unsuccessful
"An Independent Regulatory Commission heard the case today [Tuesday 23 May 2017]."
Koscielny's absence leaves Wenger facing a defensive crisis for this weekend's match at Wembley.
Gabriel is also expected to miss the match after hurting his knee making an awkward tackle on Valencia.
Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny is sent-off by match referee Michael Oliver
Per Mertesacker made his first appearance of the season on Sunday when he replaced Gabriel and is lacking match fitness.
Shkodran Mustafi missed the 3-1 win with illness but is expected to be fit.
Alexis Sanchez is a major doubt after suffering a right hamstring injury.
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