FA reject Defoe red card appeal

The Football Association have rejected Jermain Defoe’s appeal for wrongful dismissal in West Ham’s match at Walsall on December 20.

The England Under-21 international – reported to be a target for Manchester United in the January transfer window – was shown a straight red card by referee Scott Matheson for what the official saw as a kick at Walsall’s Ian Roper in the Nationwide Division One clash.