Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic will miss the Premier League clash with Southampton on 21 January.
The captain was shown a straight red card during his side’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Championship side Derby County.
He will now serve a three-match ban, which includes the clash with the Saints at Selhurst Park.
Referee Michael Oliver used the pitchside monitor to watch a replay of the incident concerning Milivojevic, before issuing a straight red card to the Serbian.
The Eagles could still appeal the decision, but his ban is unlikely to be reduced.
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This news comes as a boost for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side because Milivojevic is a key member of Roy Hodgson’s team. He’s one of the first names on their team sheet but they will now have to cope without him.
Both sides are hoping to move away from a relegation battle, meaning the clash on the 21st could be key.
With Palace not having Milivojevic, the Saints will feel a lot more confident of winning the midfield battle and once you’ve won that, you rarely lose the game. His reading of the game and aggression in midfield is something that Palace thrive on and it is very hard to replace.
