Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny's appeal to reduce the ban he has to serve following a positive drug test has been dismissed, it was announced this afternoon.

The Irish international will serve nine months suspension from all forms of the game, imposed by the Football Association's Regulatory Commission, following a positive drug test during last season's play-off semi-final against Preston North End.

At a disciplinary appeal hearing at Wembley today Paddy Kenny's representatives, who were supported by the Professional Footballers Association, argued that the sentence was disproportionate given that he had not used the medicine to enhance performance.

However the FA Appeal Board stated: "The Appeal Board dismissed the appeal by Mr Paddy Kenny against his nine month suspension for a breach of The FA doping regulations.

"The Regulatory Commission's decision to impose a nine month suspension was an appropriate measure of the seriousness of the offence."

Sheffield United Manager Kevin Blackwell said: "We are very surprised by the outcome. At this stage we do not understand why it has been decided."