Sidwell loses ban appeal

Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell will serve a three-match ban after his appeal against the red card he received against QPR was rejected.

The 30-year-old was sent off by referee Lee Probert in the 79th minute of his side’s 3-2 victory in the west London derby on Monday for a late challenge on Armand Traore.

And that decision has been upheld by an Independent Regulatory Commission, who revealed their findings on Wednesday.

Sidwell will now miss the upcoming trips to Aston Villa and Newcastle before serving the final match of his sanction in another derby clash with Chelsea.

The former Reading star has made 20 Premier League appearances for Martin Jol’s side this term, scoring four goals.