Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has failed in his attempt to have his sending off against Manchester City on Saturday rescinded.
The Portuguese international was shown a straight red card by referee Steve Bennett for a lunging tackle on Andy Cole midway through the second half.
"Ronaldo will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect," said a statement on the FA's website.
It was the second sending off of Ronaldo's United career.
He misses the FA Cup tie with Burton and the Premiership game with Liverpool and the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Blackburn.