www.football-live.co.nr

Rangers striker Jean-Claude Darcheville must serve a three-game European ban after UEFA turned down the club's appeal against the punishment.

The French forward was sent off in Rangers' Champions League match against Lyon on December 12 after stamping on Kim Kallstrom.

Rangers lost the game 3-0 to miss out on a place in the group stages, and will resume their European campaign in the UEFA Cup with a last-32 clash against Panathinaikos.

The Scottish league leaders hoped to see UEFA rethink their decision on the 32-year-old former Bordeaux striker's ban, but the initial suspension was upheld at a hearing in Nyon, Switzerland, on Thursday.

Darcheville will miss the matches against Panathinaikos, on February 13 and February 21.

He will also be absent for the first leg of a last-16 match against Werder Bremen or Braga, if Rangers get through, or the first match for which he is eligible in Europe next season if Rangers are knocked out by their Greek opponents.