Kyle Walker has had his Champions League suspension increased to three games following his red card against RB Leipzig, which was dubbed as an 'assault' by UEFA.
It comes as a major blow to Manchester City who will now be without the right-back for both legs of their last 16 tie against Sporting and, should Pep Guardiola's side advance, the first leg of the following quarter-final.
Walker's red card was already foolish as he was dismissed for a wild kick, without even trying to play the ball, on Leipzig's Andre Silva but was made even more so by the fact it came in the 81st minute of a dead rubber — with City already safely secured in top spot of their group.
A red card would usually only see a player banned for a single game but the severity of the incident has seen Walker's suspension increased by UEFA to three, proving it even more costly.
Walker's offence was dubbed as an 'assault' in the official ruling by UEFA's control, ethics and disciplinary body.
City do not plan to appeal the decision.
After the match, Guardiola urged Walker to learn from his mistake.
"Kyle Walker is an important player for us and it is unnecessary to lose him like this," the manager said.
"I hope he learns from this. The red card hurts us, especially for the round of 16.
"It's a red card, definitely. I'm not coming here to say what happened in the dressing room."
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