BEN Turner will serve a five-match ban after his appeal against an FA ruling was dismissed.
In March, an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing found the Burton Albion defender guilty of breaching FA Rule E3.
The commission heard the allegation that in the match between Brentford and Burton on Saturday, December 10, 2016, Turner used abusive and/or insulting words contrary to Rule E3(1).
It was further alleged that this breach of Rule E3(1) was an "Aggravated Breach" as defined in Rule E3(2).
As well as a suspension, the commission also ruled Turner must attend an education course and be been fined £8,000.
After the appeal was dismissed, the ban will come into force at the start of the Championship season in August.
Ben Turner said: “I strongly maintain that I did not use the offensive language that was alleged and therefore I am shocked and extremely disappointed with the decision.
“I would like to thank the chairman, the club and the manager for their full support throughout the process.”
Burton Albion chairman Ben Robinson added: "After being involved in football since 1975 and, having attended the original hearing, I am incredibly disappointed with this decision."
Brewers manager Nigel Clough said: "We stand by Ben and have always fully supported him which is why we wanted to appeal. Losing Ben for the start of the season is secondary to us to having this decision go against his character."