A planning inspector has rejected a bid by Cambridge United to install digital display boards on its land.
Football clubs are trying to erect electronic boards in front of Cambs Glass Stadium to share match day information, advertising and promotions.
On last November, the city council of Cambridge refused permission to plan, which the United States appealed.
But a government inspector ruled that the new board would only add to the "visual mess" around the stadium ".
Manchester United is currently the fourth floor of British football and has been playing at the stadium since 1932.
The hotel is located on Newmark Road, close to residential and commercial properties and a common area in Coldham.
The inspector noted that, while there was a "urban and commercial appearance" locally, the proposed lighting board would invade the nearby Stone Bridge public Reserve and the nature of the buildings listed.
Referring to the National Planning Policy Framework, the inspector said, "improper advertising can have a negative impact on the appearance of the building and the natural environment.
"The inspector acknowledges that the club claims that the proposed digital board will be smaller than the existing advertising.
However, he said it would still add to "visual confusion in the front yard ".
In concluding remarks to the decision on appeal, the inspector stated that the proposed advertisement would be detrimental to comfort and that the appeal should be dismissed.
The inspector added: "While I have considered the possible benefits of the proposal for the club, the adverse effects resulting from this, based on the information provided, will greatly outweigh the benefits.