NEWPORT County AFC have failed in a bid to overturn skipper Joss Labadie’s red card against Crawley Town last weekend.

The Exiles will now be without the suspended midfielder for their next three League Two games, starting with Saturday’s trip to Exeter City.

Labadie and Crawley defender Josh Yorwerth were both dismissed in the 51st minute of County’s 1-0 win at Rodney Parade after an off-the-ball altercation between the two men.

After reviewing video footage of the incident, County appealed to the FA on Monday morning to have Labadie’s red card overturned.

However, the club were today informed that their appeal had been unsuccessful.

As well as the clash with Exeter, Labadie will also miss fixtures at home to Yeovil Town on April 14 and away to Plymouth Argyle on April 17.

County are currently five points from safety at the bottom of the League Two table with six games left.

In a statement, the club said: “The club on Monday morning made an appeal to the FA following the review of video footage relating to the red card which Joss Labadie received in the 51st minute of Saturday’s EFL League Two match against Crawley Town.

“This afternoon, the FA’s Disciplinary Panel reviewed the case and have informed the club that it has not been successful in its appeal to overturn the red card.

“Consequently, Joss will now miss the club’s next three first-team matches, starting with Saturday's trip to Exeter City."

Caretaker boss Michael Flynn was asked about the ban at the pre-match press conference on Thursday morning.

“We’ve had a look at Joss’ sending off and I’m not overly convinced that anything too bad went on,” said Flynn.

“After the game we were told it was violent conduct and punches were thrown but I think it is two yellow cards.

“Joss has told me there were no punches thrown and I believe him.

“I’m sure there are worse things that go on in football matches but hands were raised and there is some handbags but it’s a shame for both players missing three games.

“We appealed because we thought it was something he might have got off with but it is a blow for us.

“It could have been avoided and it’s a shame but that’s the matter ended as far as I’m concerned.”