Bid to overturn ban loses appeal for Beattie

The former England international was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Exeter midfielder James Dunne last weekend and will now serve a four-game ban.

The decision is a further blow to the Blades’ attacking options after the imprisonment of leading marksman Ched Evans for rape and the loss of loanee Will Hoskins to injury.

Beattie will miss both legs of the forthcoming play-off semi-final against Stevenage and, if the Blades progress, the final at Wembley on May 26.

He will be out of contract this summer – which means he may also have played his last game for the club – and will also be banned for at least the first game of next season.

Manager Danny Wilson had initially indicated the Blades would lodge an appeal against Beattie’s dismissal having felt the player had won the ball. However, after studying video replays of the incident and taking advice, it was felt that the Football Association would be unlikely to overturn the decision.

Beattie’s absence leaves Richard Cresswell and Chris Porter as the only two senior strikers available to Wilson for the rest of the season. On-loan winger Michael O’Halloran can also play in attack while striker Danny Philliskirk, 21, has yet to start a league game since arriving from Chelsea last year.

The Blades, meanwhile, have suspended season ticket sales in order to cope with the current rush for play-off tickets.

Only a limited number of tickets are still available for Friday’s first leg at Stevenage and the Blades have now sold over 8,000 tickets for Monday’s second leg at Bramall Lane.

“For the time being we have had to suspend season ticket sales while we cope with the demand for tickets for the Stevenage games,” said managing director Dave McCarthy. “We cannot thank our fans enough for their superb backing.”

Ticket prices for the home leg start at £13 with concessions available for £10 and £7. Season tickets sales are up by 15 per cent.

Former Blades striker Simon Stainrod, meanwhile, has been suspended as a registered overseas football agent by the Football Association.

Stainrod, who was born in Sheffield and also played for neighbours Sheffield Wednesday, failed to supply the FA with necessary documents relating to the role.