Sunderland’s appeal for Max Power’s red card to be rescinded has been rejected by the Football Association.
The FA have upheld referee Martin Heywood’s decision to send Power off for a tackle from behind on Marcus Browne during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Oxford United.
Power was sent off in the 19th minute, with the Black Cats trailing to a Ricky Holmes goal a few minutes earlier, but Sunderland fought back to find the net after half-time.
The decision was appealed on Monday but the FA have opted to enforce Power’s three-match ban.
As well as that, the FA have reportedly told Sunderland that the midfielder ought to be left out of their squad for Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy clash against Stoke City’s U21 side, despite the fact that it won’t count towards the player’s ban.
Black Cats boss Jack Ross is none too pleased that Power’s three-match suspension will in fact last for four games.
Speaking about the decision, manager Jack Ross said: “We felt the initial decision to send Max off was harsh. However, it has been heard fairly, and we have to accept the FA’s decision regarding the card.
“What I cannot accept however, is that Max is banned from playing in tonight’s game, yet this does not count as part of his three-game suspension. It’s absolutely nonsensical and I’m sure everyone would agree with me on that.
“We are told that we must treat the Checkatrade Trophy with respect, which we have done so, and that it is a first-team competitive fixture, so my question is why does it not count towards his three-game suspension?
“We have been unfairly penalised with what is actually a four-game ban for our player, not a three-game ban as the rules state and I cannot understand how that can be the case.”
