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Fulham midfielder
Luis Boa Morte being manhandled by Birmingham defender Darren Purse
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Darren Purse has failed to get his red card against Fulham overturned.
Birmingham had appealed to the FA's Video Advisory Panel following his sending off for a clash with Luis Boa Morte.
But Soho Square officials have upheld referee Steve Dunn's decision and Purse will now serve a three-match ban, ruling him out of he huge games with Manchester United, Chelsea and the derby with Aston Villa.
"We can confirm that Birmingham defender Darren Purse's appeal against his sending off against Fulham on Sunday afternoon has been unsuccessful," said a statement on the FA's website.
"He will therefore serve a three match suspension for violent conduct."
Purse was red-carded after striking Boa Morte as he attempted to wrestle the ball from the Fulham man's grip following Birmingham's second equaliser in the 2-2 draw, live on Sky Sports.
Blues boss Steve Bruce described the act as one of "absolute lunacy", but modified his view after seeing the fracas on tape and decided to appeal against the sending-off.