Glasgow Rangers have had their appeal to reduce Kemar Roofe's four-game European ban rejected by UEFA.

The Lowdown: Roofe receives four-game ban

During the Gers' 2-0 defeat to Slavia Prague in the Europa League round of 16 second leg at Ibrox, Roofe received a red card for a horrific challenge on opposing goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar.

In the aftermath of the game, the £5.4m-valued 28-year-old (Transfermarkt) was hit with a four-match ban by the European governing body.

The Latest: Appeal rejected

As such, the 55-time Scottish champions decided to appeal the punishment.

However, they have been thwarted in their attempt to get the sanction reduced, and it has instead been upheld (via The Daily Mail). As such, Roofe will miss Rangers' Champions League qualifying run next term.

The Verdict: Expected

Rangers' decision to move ahead with the appeal was bold. Roofe's challenge was reckless and unacceptable, and could have caused the Slavia goalkeeper long-term damage. Quite frankly, four games could even be viewed as lenient.

From a footballing perspective, this will no doubt come as a blow to Steven Gerrard. With 16 goals in 34 matches for the Gers so far this term (Transfermarkt), the former Leeds United striker has proven to be an astute signing, and the goal he scored against Standard Liege in the Europa shows he is capable of moments of magic. Rangers will have to try to reach the Champions League group stages without him though, so perhaps this could influence the short-term futures of Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe.

In other news, Rangers have been urged to sign this right-back.