Liverpool player Martin Skrtel has had a subtle dig at the Football Association.
Skrtel has posted a picture of clowns on his Instagram account, after losing his appeal against a three-game ban, in what appears to be a negative response to his sanction.
Skrtel was hit with a charge of violent conduct for the apparent stamp on Manchester United's David de Gea during last week's clash at Anfield.
The Slovakian had challenged the ban but his appeal was rejected by an independent panel and soon after the verdict came out he posted a picture of three clowns on Instagram.
However, Skrtel was careful not to make a direct link between the clowns and the panel, limiting the caption to " ", and it is understood that the FA will not pursue the matter any further.
Skrtel will now miss the important leagues games with Arsenal and Newcastle United and also the FA Cup quarter-final replay against Blackburn Rovers.
The FA confirmed the punishment in a statement, which read: "Liverpool's Martin Skrtel will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven.
"The defender had denied the charge which related to an on-field incident involving Manchester United's David de Gea in the 95th minute of Sunday's game which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video. However, an independent regulatory commission hearing today found the charge proven."
