Etienne Capoue will miss the next two games through suspension after Watford were unsuccessful in their second attempt at getting his red card rescinded.

The Hornets midfielder was sent off in the closing stages of the 2-0 defeat at Leicester City for what referee Graham Scott deemed to be a dangerous challenge on Kelechi Iheanacho.

Watford appealed against the red card but this was rejected by a majority decision of an FA Regulatory Commission.

Chairman Scott Duxbury expressed the Hornets’ disappointment at this ruling and said it would be challenged via arbitration under Rule K of the Rules of the Football Association.

The club released a further statement via Twitter yesterday evening. It read: “The Rule K arbitration proceedings which #watfordfc commenced against The FA have now been concluded & the outcome is the original 3-game ban has been upheld.

“We remain extremely disappointed at the process & this decision but now consider the matter closed.”

Capoue, who has been in impressive form this season, will miss tomorrow’s trip to Everton and Saturday’s clash with Cardiff City at Vicarage Road.