French star will now serve a three-match ban starting with Sunday's crunch showdown, but he escapes additional punishment for his sarcastic clapping following the decision
MANCHESTER UNITED have decided not to appeal Paul Pogba's red card against Arsenal.
The Frenchman will miss this weekend's crunch Manchester derby after he was dismissed for a stamping challenge on Hector Bellerin.
Despite voicing his displeasure at the decision, Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho has reluctantly accepted it.
Pogba is now facing a three-match man, starting with Manchester City on Sunday, and will also miss clashes against Bournemouth and West Brom.
However, the former Juventus ace has escaped any further punishment after he sarcastically clapped Andre Marriner after he had given him his marching orders.
The incident during the clash with the Gunners, which United won 3-1, drew plenty of comment.
But former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher leaped to defence Marriner's defence and hailed it as a "tremendous" decision.
He told Sky Sports: "I think it's a red card. It's a tremendous spot by the referee.
"I didn't expect a red card until I saw the replay. It's serious foul play.
"Where he went was dangerous with excessive force, without doubt it's a red card. The referee did great.
He was last dismissed while playing for Juve against Palermo back in May 2013.
Despite Pogba's obvious disappointment at missing the huge clash against their neighbours, he will be in action against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League tomorrow.
Speaking ahead of the match, his manager Mourinho said: "He's not suspended for the Champions League. He's very happy to play tomorrow.
"The next match is the match that matters. He plays tomorrow. Of course he's a bit tired because it was a huge match in the last weekend and just two days to recover for CSKA.
"But he is very happy to play tomorrow and to try to keep his momentum because since he was back from injury he has been phenomenal."
