Rochdale’s appeal against the red card shown to Peter Cavanagh in Saturday’s game against Burton Albion has been rejected.
The club launched an appeal on Monday after believing they had a genuine case of appeal.
The decision means the Dale skipper will miss Saturday’s game against Chesterfield at Spotland, plus the trips to Plymouth Argyle and Oxford United.
Chief Executive Colin Garlick commented: “I’m really disappointed because looking at the laws of the game and the FIFA interpretation and guidance to referees, I believe that Peter's actions were reckless with respect to him not having regard for his opponent, which should warrant a yellow card. There was no malice or intent in his actions and I believe the red card should have been reduced. I’m disappointed that the FA haven’t come to that conclusion based on what we submitted.”