O'Brien red card appeal rejected

Andy O'Brien clashed with Israel goalkeeper Dudu Awat

Fifa has rejected the Republic of Ireland's appeal against Andy O'Brien's red card in Saturday's World Cup game against Israel in Dublin.

Newcastle United defender O'Brien was red-carded for reacting to a punch from Israel keeper Dudu Awat.

The Irish had hoped to get O'Brien cleared so he could play in Wednesday's Group Four game against the Faroe Islands in Torshavn.

But Fifa ruled on Sunday afternoon that the dismissal would stand.