Stéphane Sessègnon ban upheld by FA

Stephane Sessegnon is sent off by match referee Lee Probert (Getty Images)

The Sunderland striker Stéphane Sessègnon will miss the rest of the season after his appeal against a three-match ban for his sending off against Aston Villa on Monday was turned down by a Football Association panel.

Referee Lee Probert showed a straight red for Sessègnon's challenge on Yacouba Sylla as Sunder-land lost 6-1. He will miss their three remaining games against Stoke, Southamp-ton and Tottenham as Paolo Di Canio's team battle to survive.

The Benin forward's absence will come as a major blow. He opened the scoring in Sunderland's 3-0 derby win at Newcastle and then scored the winner against Everton to put them clear of the relegation zone.