Reliable journalist Phil Hay has suggested that Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk's confirmed three-match suspension is harsh.

The Lowdown: Struijk ban upheld

The centre-back was sent-off in the Whites' 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, following a tackle which dislocated Harvey Elliott's ankle.

Struijk wasn't even shown a yellow card when the incident initially happened - a foul wasn't given either - so a red seemed harsh in the eyes of some.

Despite this, his three-match ban was upheld on Wednesday, with Leeds' appeal swiftly rejected by the Football Association.

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The Latest: Hay reacts to news

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic's Hay suggested that the decision was harsh, as Marcelo Bielsa prepares for a stint without another centre-back:

"All I’m saying is the on-field decision was no foul and play on. Everyone saw it. Best wishes to Elliott who looks a fine player and has handled himself really well."

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The Verdict: Hard to disagree

While there is clearly no ill-feeling whatsoever towards Elliott - the Liverpool youngster has handled the whole situation with class - Hay is right in hinting that Struijk has been unfairly treated.

There seemed to be genuine hope that his ban would be overturned, considering the tackle wasn't malicious and he actually won the ball, despite the unfortunate damage caused to his opponent.

The Premier League have held firm in their opinion that the challenge endangered Elliott, though, and Bielsa will now have to plan for Friday's trip to Newcastle United likely without Struijk, Diego Llorente and Robin Koch.

In other news, a pundit has concerns over one Leeds United player. Read more here.