Tranmere Rovers have failed in their attempts to have red cards for Calum MacDonald and Kieron Morris overturned, ruling both players out of this Saturday's crucial promotion clash against Bristol Rovers.
MacDonald and Morris were shown straight red cards in the 2-2 draw with Carlisle United last weekend. MacDonald following a first-half challenge which then resulted in a on-field melee, leading to six separate players being booked. Morris was then dismissed for a high challenge on Carlisle's Rod McDonald in injury time as they tried to force a winner.
Tranmere boss Micky Mellon was scathing of both decisions at the time, claiming they were, "as bad as I've seen" and "bizarre and crazy", insisting both tackles were fair, even though Carlisle manager Paul Simpson's viewpoint was considerably different, branding the MacDonald one "disgraceful".
However, Tranmere's appeal to the Football Association has been unsuccessful with an extra game even added to Morris' suspension, denying Mellon of his services for a further match.
In a short statement, Tranmere said: "The club can confirm that the appeals for both Kieron Morris and Calum MacDonald have been rejected with an additional game being added to Kieron’s suspension. The Club will be making no further comment."
Left-back MacDonald and midfielder Morris have each made 32 starts for Tranmere in League Two this season and been key figures in Mellon's starting XI. Both played in the 2-2 draw at the Mem in December with MacDonald opening the scoring for the visitors.
Fifth-placed Rovers travel to Prenton Park on Saturday, two points and two places above Tranmere in a desperately tight League Two promotion battle.
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