The Football Association has revealed that Manchester City left back Bacary Sagna’s appeal against his £40,000 fine has been unsuccessful.

The 33-year-old made the remark on Instagram after his side’s 2-1 victory over Burnley in the Premier League on January 2.

City were reduced to 10 men in the 32nd minute of the match when referee Lee Mason sent off midfielder Fernandinho.

The FA have released the following statement on Bacary Sagna:

‘Bacary Sagna’s appeal against his £40,000 fine for breaching FA Rules on media comments has been unsuccessful.’

‘The player, who was also warned as to his future conduct, contested the sanction set down by an Independent Regulatory Commission after it heard he admitted making a comment which questioned the integrity of the match official and/or alleged and/or implied bias on the part of the match official, and/or brought the game into disrepute, contrary to Rule E3 (1).

‘However, an Appeal Board dismissed this appeal and the original sanction remains in place.’