Hope Akpan will serve a three-match ban after Burton Albion's appeal over his red card at Middlesbrough was dismissed.

The Brewers midfielder - signed on a free transfer last month - was shown a straight red card in the 78th minute of Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at the Riverside after fouling Lewis Baker.

After reviewing footage of the challenge, Albion decided to appeal the decision.

But at a meeting of a regulatory commission held on Thursday, the members ruled that it was not a case of wrongful dismissal from the evidence assembled.

Burton Albion midfielder Hope Akpan is shown a red card during the 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough
Burton Albion midfielder Hope Akpan is shown a red card during the 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough

It means that Akpan will begin serving a three-match suspension with Friday's home game against Birmingham City.

He will also miss Tuesday's Carabao Cup trip to Cardiff City and the visit of Sheffield Wednesday on August 26.

Jackson Irvine is available for the Brewers against Birmingham tomorrow after completing his one-match ban following the sending off he received at Hull City on Saturday.

Speaking before the decision over Akpan's appeal was made, Nigel Clough said: "We didn't think it was a clear red card, and that's on the back of Jackson's - we thought the second yellow was harsh on Saturday.

"We just thought it was worth a go - it's not a frivolous appeal by any means. We thought it was worth it.

"You don't win too many in these cases. That's why, unless you think you've got a chance, you don't do it."