Back to the Top News Newsfeed

Vardy ban 'sad for football', says Ranieri

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri is surprised the Football Association declined to overturn Jamie Vardy's three-match ban but has backed the Premier League champions to pick up victories without their star striker.

Vardy was dismissed for a late challenge on Mame Biram Diouf during last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Stoke City, although replays suggested a tussle with Glen Johnson left the England international off-balance when he went into the tackle.

The FA did not view this as a mitigating factor as they rejected Leicester's appeal against the 29-year-old's suspension and Ranieri must use a different attacking spearhead, starting with the Boxing Day match with Everton at the King Power Stadium.