JACK ROSS is furious that Max Power must miss four matches even though he is only supposed to be serving a three-match ban after the appeal against his red card was unsuccessful.

The Black Cats have learned today that the FA have upheld his dismissal on Saturday against Oxford and the straight red for the foul on Marcus Browne carries a three match suspension.

Ross has accepted the decision not to overturn the ban but he does think it is a joke that tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy game with Stoke Under 21s will not count, even though he has been told he has to sit it out too.

He will also miss Saturday’s home game against Fleetwood Town, the trip to Burton Albion and the game against Rochdale at the Stadium of Light.

Ross said: “We felt the initial decision to send Max off was harsh. However, it has been heard fairly, and we have to accept the FA’s decision regarding the card.

“What I cannot accept however, is that Max is banned from playing in tonight’s game, yet this does not count as part of his three-game suspension.

“It’s absolutely nonsensical and I’m sure everyone would agree with me on that.

“We are told that we must treat the Checkatrade Trophy with respect, which we have done so, and that it is a first-team competitive fixture, so my question is why does it not count towards his three-game suspension?

“We have been unfairly penalised with what is actually a four-game ban for our player, not a three-game ban as the rules state and I cannot understand how that can be the case.”

Sunderland are weighing up making a contract offer to Gael Andonian after trialling with the Under-23s. He was handed his first appearance during the Premier League 2 fixture with West Bromwich Albion on Monday night.

Ross watched the game and is considering his next move with regard to the 23-year-old centre-back who can play in different positions.

Andonian has featured 23 times for Armenia. He was released from his contract at Marseille in the summer.