Vincent Kompany Loses Red Card Appeal, Will Miss Carling Cup Semifinals Against LFC

Vincent Kompany will serve a four-game suspension, after his appeal of a red card was rejected by the FA. The Manchester City captain will miss both legs of the Carling Cup semifinal against Liverpool, as well as his team's next two Premier League games.

Kompany was dismissed in the 12th minute of Sunday's 3-2 loss against Manchester United. The Belgian defender made a lunging, two-footed tackle on Nani, and won the ball. But referee Chris Foy sent him off for foul play. The dismissal is Kompany's second of the season, meaning he will serve an added game to the normal three-game suspension for a red card.

The decision will boost Liverpool's chances of advancing to the Carling Cup final. Kompany is arguably the top center back in the Premier League, as he showed in last Tuesday's win over Liverpool.

His absence, combined with the Kolo Toure's involvement in the Cup of African Nations, leaves a gaping hole in the center of City's defense. Joleon Lescott and Stefan Savic are the only first-team center backs at manager Roberto Mancini's disposal.

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