The appeal against Jermain Defoe's sending off against West
Bromwich Albion has been turned down.
Club secretary Peter Barnes confirms:
"The appeal against the rescinding of the red card which Jermain received on Saturday has not been successful."
Jermain received a straight red card for his 'foul' on Sean Gregan at the weekend, but had also earlier received a yellow card - also thought by Alan Pardew to be harsh - for an alleged dive.
Whether the yellow card stands remains to be seen; if it doesn't, Jermain's ban would be reduced to four games, starting at Watford.
He will also miss the fixtures against Wimbledon, Wigan, West Brom again, and, if the ban remains at five games, Sunderland.