Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings is continuing to plead his innocence after being hit with a five match ban for an alleged stamp on Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Mings stood on the head of the Swedish striker, who was given a three game ban of his own for swinging a wild elbow at the defender soon after.
Zlatan accepted his FA charge of violent conduct, but despite appealing his charge, Mings was hit with an increased suspension of five games, ruling him out of action until mid-April.
And while the decision isn't going to be overturned, the 23-year-old has taken to Twitter in a bid to clear his name, saying he's "extremely disappointed" with the outcome, claiming that accusations he would deliberately stamp on an opponent are "upsetting".
"I am extremely disappointed at the FA's decision to ban me for five matches, following what was an accidental collision with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"At no time was there any intentional stamp or a movement to suggest that.
"My foot did not change course and at no point did I try and move my foot towards his head. My only focus was to get back in and defend, conduct like that is not part of my game.
"So for people to deem that I could intentionally stamp on a fellow professional's head is upsetting.
"It is an action that would not be acceptable in any walk of life, let alone on a football pitch, and one that would never cross my mind.
"I would like to thank AFC Bournemouth and all the club's fans for their unwavering support this week. I can't wait to get back to playing again and help the team retain our Premier League status for another season."
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is also standing by his player.
Mings will have to watch on as his team take on West Ham, Swansea and Southampton, before the Premier League strugglers then face daunting games against Liverpool and Chelsea.
He'll be available for selection for their away trip to Tottenham on April 15th, but with the Cherries currently just five points above the drop-zone and without a win in nine games in all competitions, they could be in even further trouble when he returns at White Hart Lane.
