Giroud's dismissal appeal rejected

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 20: Olivier Giroud of Arsenal holds up his hand after challenging Stanislav Manolev of Fulham and earning a red card during that Barclays Premier League match at Craven Cottage on April 20, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

The FA regulatory body who were called in to precede over the appeal against Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud’s red card, have rejected the appeal for wrongful dismissal.

The Frenchman was sent-off following a late lunge on Fulham’s right-back Mandolev in the 88th minute. His three-match ban begins with the game against newly-crowned champions, Manchester United. He will miss out crucial games against QPR and Wigan Atheltic, too.

Till then, Arsene Wenger faces yet another problem up front and is left to choose between Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott or Yao Gervinho to lead the line. Podolski has been struggling with a niggle on his left foot while Walcott and Gervinho haven’t been in the best of form lately.