Mido will serve three-match ban

Mido was hoping to have his red card reversed (Getty)

Middlesbrough striker Mido will serve a three-match ban after referee Mark Halsey confirmed that his red card at Arsenal will not be rescinded.

Mido was given a straight red card after kicking Gael Clichy in the face towards the end of the 1-1 draw.

Boro manager Gareth Southgate spoke to referee's chief Keith Hackett and Halsey, but the club have decided not to appeal to the FA over the decision.

Mido misses home games with Derby and Manchester United and away to Chelsea.

Arsenal defender Clichy was left with a cut to his head after the clash with Mido.

606: DEBATE Was Mido's red card fair?

But Southgate felt the striker - who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes - had made a genuine attempt to claim the ball.

"I don't think he meant it. He caught him but he was looking at the ball the whole time and Mido is distraught because he's not a dirty player," said the Boro boss.

"He's been to see Clichy and he's disappointed that the knock is so bad.

"Should he have his foot that high? Maybe not, but I don't think there was any intent there."

Southgate told the Middlesbrough website that the club felt an appeal would not be worthwhile.

"Having spoken to the referee's chief and to the referee himself, their feeling is that the decision wouldn't be altered," he said.

"We're not very happy about it but I can see why the referee has sent the lad off under those rules. But a three-match ban is very harsh."