Manchester City has been handed a huge blow prior to the first Manchester Derby of the season, as striker Sergio Aguero will have to watch the game from the stands after being handed a three-match ban.
The Football Association investigated an incident involving Sergio Aguero and Winston Reid, in which the Argentinean star threw his elbow at the player. While the incident escaped the ref's attention, video evidence emerged and eventually caught Aguero red handed, resulting in the three-game suspension today.
A statement by the FA revealed Manchester City appealed, but their efforts to have Aguero available for the crucial tie were unsuccessful.
"The club denied the charge and submitted further that, if it was to be found proven, the standard punishment would be clearly excessive. On finding the charge proven at a hearing today (Friday 2 September 2016), an Independent Regulatory Commission went on to reject the club’s further claim to decrease the three-match ban," the press release states.
Aguero had shown impressive form for Manchester City, scoring six times for the Sky Blues in five games across all competitions. His hat-trick against Steaua propelled the Citizens to the UEFA Champions League Group Stage, and he currently tops the EPL's goal scoring table alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic with three goals apiece.
As a result of this ban, the player will also miss Manchester City's games against Bournemouth and the EFL Cup tie against Swansea.
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