Newcastle lose Bassong red card appeal

Newcastle lost their appeal against Sebastien Bassong's red card against Fulham today, meaning the defender is suspended for the team's final game as they try to avoid relegation.

Bassong was sent off for a professional foul on Fulham's Diomansy Kamara in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home. In the relegation zone and in danger of going down for the first time in 20 years, Newcastle lodged an appeal but the Football Association rejected it and imposed a two-game ban.

Bassong will miss Sunday's game at Aston Villa with 18th-place Newcastle one point behind Hull, but with a better goal difference, and two points behind Sunderland.

Hull host Manchester United but the Red Devils have already clinched the Premier League title and are likely to rest most of their best players ahead of the 27 May Champions League final against Barcelona.

Sunderland also have a tough game, at home to third-place Chelsea.