Tuesday 30 December 2014 15:54, UK
Fabian Delph will have to serve a three-match ban after Aston Villa failed to get his red card against Sunderland overturned.
The England midfielder was dismissed by referee Martin Atkinson just after half-time at Villa Park on Sunday for a late challenge on Jordi Gomez, catching the Spaniard high on the ankle with his studs raised.
Manager Paul Lambert said he thought the decision was "harsh" and that the resulting three-game ban for serious foul play would be "excessive".
However, Villa's appeal was rejected and Delph will start his suspension when they face Crystal Palace on New Year's Day.
He will also miss the FA Cup third round clash with Sky Bet Championship strugglers Blackpool on Sunday and the Premier League trip to Leicester on January 10.
The Sunderland game was only Delph's fourth outing since returning from two months out with a serious shoulder injury.
Villa had been successful with an appeal before Christmas when they overturned the red card that was shown to forward Gabriel Agbonlahor during the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Villa Park on December 20.
