Barrow AFC's appeal against frontman Aaron Amadi-Holloway's red card against Stevenage has been rejected.

It means the striker must serve a three-match ban.

Burton Albion loanee Amadi-Holloway was shown a straight red card by ref Darren Handley for a challenge on Stevenage's Chris Lines in the 55th minute of Saturday's 0-0 draw.

Bluebirds boss Mark Cooper said after the game that the club would be challenging the sending-off.

He claimed it was a "good tackle", and that Amadi-Holloway's challenge won the ball and his studs planted "nowhere near the Stevenage player".

But the attempt to have the decision overturned has been knocked back by an independent panel, meaning Amadi-Holloway will miss games against Exeter City, Harrogate Town and Bristol Rovers.

It is a blow for AFC, with 28-year-old Amadi-Holloway having started five games since his January half-season loan move.

He scored the winner in Barrow's 1-0 victory against Northampton Town and the Welsh frontman's line-leading attributes have been praised by manager Cooper.