The Football Association have dismissed an appeal from Queens Park Rangers against the red card that was handed to Joey Barton on Monday.

Barton was given his marching orders following a clash with Norwich midfielder Anthony Pilkington, who claimed that he had been butted by the QPR skipper.

Both Barton and his manager Neil Warnock were disappointed with the decision, leading to the club lodging an appeal against the verdict yesterday.

However, the FA have decided to uphold the decision, which means that the 29-year-old must now serve a three-match suspension.

He will miss Saturday's FA Cup tie against MK Dons, as well as Premier League fixtures against Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic.