Sunderland attacking midfielder Stephane Sessegnon will miss the rest of the season after his appeal against a three-match ban for his dismissal against Aston Villa on Monday was rejected, the Football Association announced on Wednesday.
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The 28-year-old Benin international was shown a straight red card after catching Villa midfielder Yacouba Sylla with a late challenge during the second half of the Premier League game at Villa Park, which Sunderland lost 6-1.
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Speaking after the game, Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio criticised referee Lee Probert's decision to send Sessegnon off.
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"There was nothing in it," Di Canio said. "The leg was not straight. He didn't want to cause any damage to his opponent. The referee fell in a trap. It wasn't a nasty action."
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Sunderland's defeat left them level on 37 points with Villa and Newcastle United, five points above the relegation zone with three matches to play this season.
That is very bad i must say but this is a very big blow for his football club. They would definately miss his presence on the pitch