By Chris O'Brien
January 18 2006

Cristiano Ronaldo will miss crucial forthcoming games against Burton Albion, Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers. MUFC have failed in a bid to try and get the winger's red card, for an offence at Eastlands, overturned. Manchester United have been unsuccessful in an appeal to see Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card at Eastlands rescinded.

The Portuguese midfielder lunged in on former Red Andy Cole, with referee Steve Bennett showing no hesitation in showing the youngster a straight red card.

Sir Alex Ferguson felt the decision from the Kent official was harsh and immediately launched an appeal to the Football Association. However, the F.A felt that the decision should not be overturned and that a three-game suspension should stand.

"Ronaldo will serve a three-match ban with immediate effect," said a statement on the FA's website.

The winger, a regular in United’s first-team will moss the F.A Cup game at Burton, the Premiership tie with Liverpool and the Carling Cup second-leg tie at home to Blackburn Rovers. His loss will be a pivotal blow.