Carlisle loses appeal

Manager Brian Laws did not feel the challenge was worthy of a red card and although the referee was not prepared to change his view went ahead with the appeal.

The appeal was rejected and Clarke must now serve a three match ban which means he misses the away game against Sheffield United and the home games against Barnsley and Reading.

Laws said: "We are disappointed with the outcome. We felt the decision was harsh but we have to accept the verdict and move on.

"We again showed on Saturday the strength we have within the squad and I know that whoever benefits from Clarke's absence will come in and do a good job for us when we start again after the international break."