COLCHESTER United's appeal against Junior Tchamadeu's red card against Bristol Rovers has failed.

The U's have been informed that the right-back will serve a three-match ban following his dismissal in the 1-1 draw against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night, after the suspension was upheld.

Tchamadeu, 17, became embroiled in an altercation with Rovers substitute Trevor Clarke near the technical area, in the closing stages of the League Two clash at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Both players were shown a straight red card by referee Graham Scott.

Tchamadeu will now serve a three-match ban which will see him miss Colchester's upcoming games against Port Vale, Sutton United and Scunthorpe United.

Speaking prior to the decision to uphold the ban was made, boss Mullins said he was hoping that the red card will be overturned.

Mullins said: "We've looked back at it and reviewed it.

"I've looked at the footage three or four times now and Junior doesn't do too much wrong, for me.

"There are two punches thrown.

"The first one is after he walks past the guy and kind of brushes into him, like players do.

"The first punch comes in which shocked me when I was watching it, to be honest with you.

"I didn't see it on the night; I think I was getting the ball and that's when it happened.

"I kind of looked over and they were pulling each other but I think Junior's reaction to the punch is just natural.

"He tries to restrain the guy (Trevor Clarke) and he really does lose control.

"Brendan (Wiredu) and Samson (Tovide) saw it and they came running over to try and separate the two and then the melee happens after that.

"There's not much in the melee; it's not even pushing - it's just players trying to separate each other.

"Junior doesn't do much wrong but he's been punished for it.

"He's a young player who has just found himself in the team and now he's sitting on the bench serving a three-match ban, which was very harsh for me."