Walters fails in red card appeal

Stoke have lost an appeal against Jonathan Walters’ red card in the 1-1 draw with Norwich on Saturday, the Football Association said last night.

Walters was dismissed in the 78th minute of the Premier League contest at Carrow Road for a foul on Canaries midfielder Alexander Tettey and will now serve a three-match suspension.

Stoke already have midfielder Charlie Adam serving a three-game ban after he was retrospectively punished following an incident in the club’s 1-0 home win over Arsenal.

Meanwhile Stoke defender Robert Huth could be out of action for the rest of the season, according to club chairman Peter Coates.

Huth has not featured since sustaining a knee injury in November which led to him having surgery. He played 45 minutes of a friendly on February 25, but is yet to return to the matchday squad.

Coates said: “It is my understanding that it is very unlikely he will feature again this season.”

Huth has missed 20 matches in all competitions since limping off in Stoke’s 2-0 home Premier League win over Sunderland on November 23.

Ireland’s Marc Wilson has been playing at centre-half in the German’s absence, and Coates added: “The fact we have done so well without him is a tribute to the team and to Marc Wilson in particular.” Stoke are now six points clear of the relegation zone.