Turner handed four-match ban

Sunderland centre-back Michael Turner will now serve a four-match ban for his red card against Manchester City after the Football Association dismissed his claim and added a game to the normal suspension.

Turner was sent off towards the end of the defeat at Eastlands for using his arm in a challenge against Gareth Barry, with the resulting claim to an FA independent regulatory commission insisting the standard punishment is excessive.

"Turner claimed that the standard punishment is clearly excessive, but this was rejected by the commission and the defender will now receive a four-match ban - increased by one game as the commission felt the claim had no prospect of success - starting with immediate effect," read a statement from the FA.

The type of claim lodged by the 26-year-old is normally reserved for exceptional circumstances, rather than the use of an arm, which is understood to have contributed to the FA's decision.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, who is likely to be angered by the decision to ban his key defender for an extra match, has also been asked by the FA to explain his comments after the 4-3 reverse.

"The FA have also confirmed they have written to Sunderland manager Steve Bruce seeking his observations following media comments made immediately after the match at the City of Manchester Stadium," the statement added.

Bruce has until December 31 to respond after his reaction, which included branding the penalty won by City striker Craig Bellamy as "a joke".

Meanwhile, the FA will take no further action against Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri after his clash with Hull's Richard Garcia, where he appeared to tread on his opponent's foot.

Referee Steve Bennett looked at the incident against and decided he would not have awarded a red card had it been seen.