Bolton’s appeal against Gary Cahill’s red card at Arsenal has been rejected by the Football Association.
The defender was show a straight red for a tackle from behind on Gunners striker Marouane Chamakh during Wanderers’ 4-1 defeat at the weekend.
Manager Owen Coyle was incensed by the decision and hoped to have it overturned, but the FA have confirmed Cahill must serve a three-match ban.
A statement read: “At a regulatory commission hearing, a claim for wrongful dismissal from Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill was dismissed.
“As a result, Cahill’s three-match suspension will remain and will be served with immediate effect.”
Cahill will sit out Premier League clashes with Aston Villa and Manchester United, as well as the Carling Cup clash with Burnley.