Bassong appeal turned down by FA

Bassong (centre) was sent off after tangling with Diomansy Kamara

Newcastle have lost their appeal against Sebastien Bassong's red card, the Football Association has confirmed.

The 22-year-old Frenchman was dismissed by referee Howard Webb after tangling with Diomansy Kamara during the 1-0 defeat by Fulham on Saturday.

Bassong will now miss relegation-threatened Newcastle's final game of the season against Aston Villa.

His second red card of the season means Bassong starts a two-match ban, ruling him out of the first game of next term.

The defender has started 30 games since joining from FC Metz last summer.

A statement from the FA read: "At a regulatory commission hearing, a claim for wrongful dismissal by Newcastle United defender Sebastien Bassong was rejected.

"Bassong was sent off during Newcastle United's Premier League match with Fulham on Saturday 16 May for denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

"Bassong's two-match suspension, due to it being his second dismissal of the season, begins with immediate effect."

606: DEBATE Sunday is without a doubt going to be the most nervous 90 mins of football I will ever endure SpillerUK

Bassong was red-carded 60 minutes into Saturday's game with his side trailing to Kamara's first-half strike.

Manager Alan Shearer is now facing a major selection headache going into Sunday's showdown, with fellow defender Habib Beye struggling with a hamstring injury.

Strikers Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen are both battling groin problems, although the latter has had a scan which showed no serious cause for concern.

A draw against Villa would keep Newcastle in the top flight providing Hull lose at home to Manchester United - although they would have to win if City pick up a point.

Victory for Phil Brown's men would ensure they finished above Newcastle regardless of what happens at Villa Park.