Albion's appeal against the red card issued to Dale Stephens in the promotion decider at Middlesbrough has been rejected by the FA.

They will now be without the influential midfielder for the play-offs.

Stephens was sent-off by Premier League referee Mike Dean for a challenge on Gaston Ramirez which left Boro's on-loan Uruguayan nursing a gashed leg.

An FA tweet confirmed: "Dale Stephens’ three-match suspension remains after his claims of wrongful dismissal and excessive punishment were both rejected today."

The former Charlton player's three-match suspension for serious foul play stands, ruling him out of both legs of the semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday and another potential promotion decider against Hull or Derby at Wembley on May 28.

Stephens' brother, Macauley, reacting to the news, tweeted: "So hitting the refs hand to stop him showing a yellow and rolling around gets your opponent sent off that's the fa logic.."

It is the second time Stephens has missed out on the play-offs with Albion. He was injured when they squeezed into the top six two seasons ago before losing to Derby.

The only consolation is he would be available for their first match in the Premier League if they are promoted.

His punishment will extend into next season in the Championship if Albion are knocked out by Wednesday. They visit Hillsborough on Friday evening, with the return leg at the Amex on Monday.

Lewis Dunk also misses the first leg as he is completing a two-match ban.

Dean takes charge of West Ham's last game at the Boleyn Ground against Manchester United tonight.