Vincent Kompany of Manchester City was sent off just 12 minutes into Sunday's FA Cup third round match for a clumsy two-footed challenge on United winger Nani.[Source:Sina.com]

Manchester City centre back Vincent Kompany will serve a four-match ban after the FA dismissed his appeal yesterday against the red card he was shown in last weekend's defeat by Manchester United.

The club's influential captain was sent off just 12 minutes into Sunday's FA Cup third round match for a clumsy two-footed challenge on United winger Nani and the holders were beaten 2-3 in a thrilling game.

"Kompany will serve a four-match suspension with immediate effect," the FA said in a statement. "The suspension consists of a statutory three-match suspension for serious foul play plus one additional game given this is Kompany's second dismissal of the season." City coach Roberto Mancini had been confident of winning the appeal.