Sunderland star Stephane Sessegnon's season is over after the Football Association rejected an appeal against his red card at Aston Villa.
The Benin international was given his marching orders for a tackle on Yacouba Sylla with 20 minutes remaining of the 6-1 rout at Villa Park.
But the striker's claim of "wrongful dismissal" has been turned down at an independent regulatory commission hearing.
Sessegnon will now miss the remainder of the Premier League season as he serves the customary three-match ban handed out for straight red cards.
The 28-year-old has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 37 appearances so far this term.
Sunderland remain under threat of relegation from the top flight, as they sit just five points clear of Wigan in 18th place, having played a game more.
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