A panel, convened by the Football Association, has today upheld the red card Walsall midfielder Sam Mantom picked up during last weekends Sky Bet League One defeat to Preston North End.
22-year-old Mantom, who had never been sent off in his professional career, was dismissed for a high challenge on North End's Joe Garner.
The card, which carries an automatic three-match suspension, will see Mantom will miss Tonight's night's trip to face Sixfields tennants Coventry City, Saturday's local derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers and next week's home date with Crewe Alexandra.
A statement posted on TheFA.com confirmed the ruling; "The claim from Sam Mantom of Walsall that his sending-off against Preston North End on 1 March 2014 for serious foul play should be dismissed was rejected. Mantom’s three-match suspension will, therefore, commence with immediate effect."
