Colchester United boss, Joe Dunne, is angry that the U’s appeal against Magnus Okuonghae’s red card has been rejected.

The Dubliner believed that the U’s had a strong case for Okuonghae’s 23rd minute sending-off at Charlton, for alleged handball in the penalty area from Franck Moussa’s goalbound shot, to be rescinded by the Football League on appeal.

But instead, referee Charles Breakspear’s decision has been upheld, meaning that centre-half Okuonghae must serve a one-match suspension, causing him to miss Saturday’s trip to Bristol City.

“The appeal has been turned down this afternoon, which is extraordinary really,” revealed Dunne.

“I feel bitterly disappointed and also feel bitterly let down by the system.

“I feel very bitter at the moment because of the size of our squad, and because we feel we had a case.

“Unfortunately it’s been thrown out,” added Dunne.

For more on this story, see tomorrow’s East Anglian Daily Times newspaper