West Ham United have released a statement expressing their 'disappointment' in an independent panel's decision to uphold Andy Carroll's three-match ban.

The Premier League outfit took action against the Football Association after they denied the Hammers in their attempt to overturn the striker's red card.

The 25-year-old was sent off by referee Howard Webb for appearing to strike his arm across the top of Chico Flores's head in West Ham's 2-0 victory over Swansea City last Saturday.

After a hearing today, an independent arbitral tribunal decided to reject West Ham's challenge, which means that Carroll's three-match suspension begins immediately.

The club responded to the ruling with a statement on their official website, which said: "Whilst West Ham United are obviously disappointed at the decision, as we have made clear throughout, we respect the rules of football and shall abide by them.

"Andy Carroll will now serve a three-match suspension, which will rule him out of the Barclays Premier League fixtures at Aston Villa tomorrow and at home to Norwich City and Southampton. He will be available for selection again for the trip to Everton on Saturday, March 1."

West Ham currently sit third from bottom in the league table.