Roma ace Strootman's two-match diving ban stands after appeal fails

The midfielder has failed to overturn a ban for simulation, which he received retrospectively following his side's derby loss to Lazio.

Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman has failed in his appeal against a two-match diving suspension, meaning he will miss crucial matches against AC Milan and Juventus.

The Italian Football Federation (FICG) confirmed on Wednesday that the Netherlands international's appeal against the sanction has been rejected.

Strootman received a retrospective punishment with the help of television evidence after last Sunday's 3-1 derby defeat to Lazio in Serie A.

He was adjudged to be guilty of simulation in an incident with defender Wallace to win Roma a penalty that was subsequently scored by Daniele De Rossi.

It was ruled that the 27-year-old's "unnatural turn and relative fall to the floor could in no instance be caused by the attempts by Lazio's player Wallace to intervene" - an act that represented "seriously unsporting behaviour".