Football Association reject Arsenal's David Luiz red card appeal

Arsenal have been unsuccessful in their attempts to get David Luiz’s red card against Wolves overturned.

The experienced defender was given his marching orders by referee Craig Pawson on the stroke of half-time at Molineux after he had inadvertently brought down Willian Jose, who was clean through on goal.

Mikel Arteta had been confident of a successful appeal that would have rendered Luiz available for Saturday’s match against Aston Villa, but the Football Association has dismissed Arsenal’s case.

‘The FAs have confirmed to us that the red card given to David Luiz on Tuesday against Wolverhampton Wanderers will stand,’ Arsenal confirmed in a statement.

‘We have worked really hard to overturn David Luiz’s red card. We presented our case to the FA but are disappointed that our appeal has been unsuccessful.

‘We accept the FA’s decision and continue our preparations for Saturday’s match against Aston Villa.’

Luiz has now been sent-off on three occasions during his 18-month Arsenal career, but Arteta insists he has no issues with the experienced defender’s disciplinary record.

‘When you look at the two images, we can have a long, long debate here. Just to point the finger at David in my opinion is not fair,’ said the Arsenal manager.

‘We know the law. For me, it’s not about the decision and what happens in that instant. There was a very similar incident, even though David is behind him, against Manchester United.

‘It was on the side of the player and that completely changes the angle, the purpose and how much it affects the player’s ability to finish the action. But still it was a similar situation. I think they will look at it.’

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