The FA have upheld Jean-Philippe Mateta’s three-match ban after he was dismissed against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Palace launched an appeal on Tuesday after Mateta was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Micky van de Ven in the 13th minute of their 2-0 defeat at Spurs, catching the centre-back’s achilles with his studs up.
But the FA have rejected their petition, meaning the Frenchman will serve a three-match ban and miss matches against Liverpool, Coventry City and Hull.
Without Mateta, Eddie Nketiah is Palace’s only available striker with Jorgen Strand Larsen sidelined with an ankle injury.
It comes as a blow to Eagles boss Pierre Sage, who is fighting to save his job heading into the international break.
Referee Michael Oliver initially issued a yellow card on Saturday but was called to the monitor by VAR Jarred Gillett to upgrade it.
Crystal Palace were unsuccessful in their appeal of the red card Jean-Philippe Mateta received against Tottenham
Mateta was dismissed following a VAR review on his late challenge on Micky van de Ven
When advising on the decision, Gillett said: ‘Point of contact is on the achilles, nowhere near the ball. He’s sprinting at speed and with intensity, the studs catch him flush on the achilles. I think it ticks all the boxes for serious foul play.’
Oliver then said over the tannoy: ‘After review, Crystal Palace No.14 makes full, forceful contact with the studs on his opponent’s achilles. The final decision is red card.’
Sky Sports’ ref watch panel, former referee Dermot Gallagher, Tim Sherwood and Jay Boothroyd, unanimously agreed on Monday that a red card was the correct call.
Palace host Liverpool on Sunday, having won just one of their last six Premier League matches and languishing in the relegation zone.
