Martin Skrtel Suspended by FA for David De Gea Stamp: Latest Details, Reaction

Liverpool's Martin Skrtel will serve a three-match ban after being found guilty of stamping on David De Gea at the conclusion of Manchester United's win over the Reds on Sunday.

Continue for updates.

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Skrtel: 'I Don't Feel Guilty' Over De Gea Incident

Friday, March 27

Skrtel feels no remorse for the incident because he maintains it was accidental. He called the ban "strange" and provided further comment: "I didn't want to stamp on him," he said, reported by David Maddock of the Mirror. "It was an accident and I didn't do it on purpose. I don't feel guilty. It was a long ball and he went towards me and I wanted to jump over him. Simple as that."

The defender also posted an image of clowns on his Instagram, something Maddock assumes is the "ultimate comment" on the FA's decision:

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Skrtel Receives Three-Match Suspension

Wednesday, March 25

The FA confirmed Skrtel's absence with an official statement on its website: "Liverpool's Martin Skrtel will serve a three match suspension with immediate effect after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven."

Although Skrtel denied the charge and match officials missed the incident, an Independent Regulatory Commission made the decision which could prove significant to Liverpool's season.

Skrtel will miss the vital Premier League showdown with Arsenal, as well as Liverpool's FA Cup quarter-final replay against Blackburn Rovers and following league tie with Newcastle.

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FA Charge Skrtel with Violent Conduct

Monday, March 23

Oliver Kay of The Times reported the original charge:

Sky Sports News HQ noted that the charge was for violent conduct.

On Tuesday, Skrtel denied the charge, via Sky Sports News HQ.

United triumphed 2-1 at Anfield after captain Steven Gerrard was sent off for stamping on Ander Herrera just 38 seconds after coming on as a half-time substitute. It always seemed likely Reds boss Brendan Rodgers would have greater problems to deal with, though.

World Soccer Talk tweeted images of the Skrtel incident:

NBC Sports' Arlo White provided comment:

John Brewin of ESPN made his feelings known:

Jon Super/Associated Press

Rodgers was hopeful his Slovakian defender could escape the governing body's wrath, tweeted by Daniel Taylor of The Guardian:

Skrtel has arguably been Liverpool's most important defender this season. He sits in the middle of Rodgers' back three, dominating proceedings in the air and keeping the ball moving with simple passes forward.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

The 30-year-old hasn't been much of a goalscoring threat from set pieces—notching one so far, his lowest total since 2009-10, per WhoScored.com—but his defensive quality has improved. Skrtel has racked up six yellows in the Premier League this campaign, Liverpool's joint-highest alongside Gerrard and Jordan Henderson.

His punishment equates to that given to Diego Costa after he stamped on Liverpool's Emre Can during Chelsea's win in the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg.

Rodgers will likely look to call upon Kolo Toure or Dejan Lovren as Skrtel's replacement.