SUNDERLAND will be without Stephane Sessegnon for the final three games of the season after the club's appeal against his red card against Aston Villa was rejected.

Sessegnon was given a straight red card for a challenge on Yacouba Sylla during Monday night's 6-1 defeat at Villa Park.

Black Cats manager Paoulo Di Canio confirmed the club would lodge an appeal against the playmaker's dismissal, but that has been rejected.

Sessegnon, who scored in wins over Newcastle United and Everton recently, will miss the games against Stoke City, Southampton and Tottenham.