Southend United's appeal against Franck Moussa's three match ban has been unsuccessful the Football Association confirmed today.

Moussa was sent off for a challenge on Brighton's Adam Virgo during last Friday's 2-0 defeat at Roots Hall.

United appealed the decision and after the incident was reviewed by the FA's appeals panel today, it has been confirmed to the Club that Moussa's suspension will stand.

Boss Steve Tilson said: "We're obviously very disappointed as we felt we had a good case.

"I didn't feel it was a sending off at the time and I still stand by that now.

"We submitted a lot of written evidence and two DVD's of footage from the West and East side of the ground but it appears that wasn't enough.

"It's a shame as Franck is only young and this season he has started to cement himself into the team. He will be a loss but I guess the one positive is that the three matches all come in the space of seven days."

Moussa will now miss the Blues next three games against Walsall, Leyton Orient and Carlisle United.