Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell to serve three-match ban after appeal is rejected

Midfielder was sent off during Fulham's win over QPR

Steve Sidwell (GETTY IMAGES)

Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell will sit out a three-game ban after an appeal against his dismissal in Monday night's 3-2 win over Fulham was rejected.

A Football Association Independent Regulatory Commission today rejected a claim of wrongful dismissal after Sidwell saw red for a late challenge on Armand Traore after 79 minutes.

"Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today, Fulham's Steve Sidwell has had his claim for wrongful dismissal rejected," an FA statement read.

"Sidwell was dismissed for serious foul play during his side's game at home to Queens Park Rangers on 1 April 2013."

The 30-year-old's ban will begin immediately to rule him out of this weekend's trip to Newcastle, before matches against former clubs Aston Villa and Chelsea.

PA