Bristol Rovers’ appeal to have Paul Coutts’ red card at Rochdale overturned has been unsuccessful with the FA upholding the original decision and four-game suspension.
Rovers will now be without their captain for Saturday’s crucial game against Scunthorpe United, and then either the entirety of the play-off campaign or the first three games of next season, depending on what unfolds.
Coutts was dismissed in injury time for violent conduct after an off-the-ball incident with a Rochdale player. It was his second sending off of the campaign, after Mansfield Town on the opening day of the season, meaning the Scot’s suspension increased from three to four games.
Coutts’ misdemeanour wasn’t captured by any of the broadcast cameras, with the match streamed on iFollow and highlights later shown on Quest, but Bristol Live understands that despite Rovers’ attempts the FA have deemed there is "insufficient evidence" for referee Ross Joyce’s decision to be overturned.
Veteran Glenn Whelan is now expected to start on Saturday in place of Coutts alongside Sam Finley at the base of midfield.
It is a blow for the Gas as Coutts has been among Rovers’ best performers and most consistent players since the turn of the year, plus an influential on-field leader, but it will become far more significant should Rovers need the play-offs to reach League One.
Joey Barton’s side can secure automatic promotion on Saturday with a win - providing Northampton fail to beat Barrow or Rovers can outscore the Cobblers margin of victory by five goals - and take on already-relegated Scunthorpe.
But one of Northampton, Mansfield, Port Vale, Swindon Town, Sutton United or Tranmere Rovers could await in the play-offs, should the Gas not claim third place, obviously representing far stronger and more challenging opposition.
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