Brentford lose appeal over Igor Thiago's three-game ban

Brentford have failed in their appeal to overturn Igor Thiago's red card, confirming the defender will serve a three-match suspension. The decision is a blow for the Bees, who argued the incident during Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Brighton was unintentional.

The Football Association's regulatory commission dismissed the club's challenge on Monday. Thiago was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute after a VAR review upgraded his initial yellow for an arm making contact with Brighton's Chema Andres. The FA deemed the act violent conduct.

Impact on upcoming fixtures

As a result, the Brazil international will miss Brentford's next three Premier League fixtures. He is ruled out of the home game against Everton on 23 November, the trip to Manchester United on 28 November, and the visit of league leaders Arsenal on 2 December. The club had hoped to have the ban reduced but must now plan without a key player.

League context

The suspension comes at a delicate time for Thomas Frank's side. Brentford currently sit eighth in the Premier League with 14 points from 10 games, but their recent form shows vulnerability. They have taken just four points from their last five matches, a run that includes the 2-0 loss at Brighton where Diego Gomez and Pascal Groß scored. Their next opponent, Everton, are sixth in the standings, setting up a key match at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Brentford's form over the last five games is one win, one draw and three losses, leaving them 13 points behind the league leaders. The team has scored 16 goals and conceded 11 this season. The club's focus now shifts to preparing for Everton without Thiago, who scored in their last home win against Nottingham Forest.

More detail at bbc.co.uk