Thursday 2 February 2017 17:14, UK
Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has failed in his appeal against a £40,000 fine for breaching Football Association rules on comments made in the media.
Sagna took to social media after the 2-1 win over Burnley to vent his frustrations at Lee Mason's officiating and suggested it had been '10 against 12' - before he subsequently deleted the comment.
His comment read: "10 against 12... but still fighting and winning as a team #youfreetothinkwhateveryouwant".
Although the 33-year old later apologised for offence he had caused, the FA promptly approached the Frenchman to explain the post.
An FA statement read: "The player, who was also warned as to his future conduct, contested the sanction set down by an Independent Regulatory Commission after it heard he admitted making a comment which questioned the integrity of the match official and/or alleged and/or implied bias on the part of the match official, and/or brought the game into disrepute, contrary to Rule E3 (1).
"However, an Appeal Board dismissed this appeal and the original sanction remains in place."
