Middlesbrough decide against David Nugent red-card appeal

Middlesbrough have decided not to appeal against the red card shown to striker David Nugent on Saturday.

The 30-year-old was shown a straight red late on after clashing with Birmingham City's Stephen Gleeson during the goalless draw at the Riverside.

Nugent will now have to serve a three-match ban, meaning that he will miss tonight's game at home to fellow promotion hopefuls Burnley, Saturday's match at current Championship leaders Brighton & Hove Albion and the Boxing Day fixture against Blackburn Rovers.

Nugent, who joined Boro from Leicester City earlier this year, has scored five goals in 18 appearances this season.