Rochdale have failed in a bid to have David Perkins' red card rescinded in order for him to be available for the play-off final.The 25-year-old midfielder now faces a lengthy five-match ban but more importantly will miss the League Two play-off final against Stockport on Monday.

Perkins was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Ricky Ravenhill in extra-time but Dale held on in the closing stages to beat Darlington 5-4 on penalties and secure the club a Wembley date for the first time in their history.

Rochdale chairman Chris Dunphy said: "I am personally outraged because anyone who saw it on television could see there was no contact.

"We felt confident the decision could be overturned and we are now stunned.

"The referee got it wrong and everyone could see he got it wrong.

"This underlines the poor standards of referees we have had at Rochdale this season."

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