KEY DEFENDER Steven May will miss Melbourne's upcoming two matches after having his suspension for Rough Conduct upheld at the AFL Appeals Board on Monday night.

The decision comes after the club contested the Match Review Officer’s charge of Careless Conduct, High Contact, Severe Impact.

Speaking after the Tribunal hearing, Melbourne General Manager of AFL Football Alan Richardson said the club was disappointed in the outcome.

“As we’ve said previously, we believed we had a strong case. Steven’s sole intention was to win the ball, and we maintain that he approached the contest in a reasonable manner given the circumstances," Richardson said. 

“While we are disappointed with the Appeals Board’s decision, we respect the process and the outcome they have come to.”