Carroll banned for three matches after losing appeal

 West Ham United's Andy Carroll will be banned for three matches after losing his appeal against the red card he received in their 2-0 Premier League win over Swansea City, the Football Association said on Tuesday.

Carroll caught Swansea defender Chico Flores with a trailing arm after an aerial challenge and, although there was minimal contact, his claim of wrongful dismissal was rejected by the FA.

"DISGRACEFUL!!!," the 25-year-old striker said on Twitter.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce described the sending off as an "injustice" while his Swansea counterpart Michael Laudrup said the red card was a "bit harsh".

Carroll, who has made only four league appearances this season after struggling with a heel injury, will now miss West Ham's trip to Aston Villa and then home fixtures against Norwich City and Southampton.