Mark Bentley must serve a three-match ban after the Football Association rejected Gillingham's appeal following last Saturday’s red card.

Bentley was sent off by referee David Foster following a second half challenge on Bradford’s Paul McLaren.

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson had the backing of his Bradford counterpart Stuart McCall but, despite their protests, the FA decided to back Foster and rejected the appeal.

It is the second time this season that the Gills have appealed a sending off, after Mark McCammon was also forced to serve a three-match ban following a dismissal against Aldershot.

Bentley’s suspension begins immediately and he misses Tuesday night’s game against Notts County. He will also sit out the home visit of Chester and the trip to Lincoln.