Albion have an extra incentive to win the play-offs.

They can ‘Do it for Dale’.

The club’s appeal against the controversial red card for Dale Stephens in last Saturday’s promotion decider at Middlesbrough has been rejected by the FA.

Premier league referee Mike Dean divided opinion by dismissing Stephens for a challenge on Gaston Ramirez, which left the Uruguayan with a nasty leg wound.

He is suspended from both legs of the semi-final against Sheffield Wednesday in Yorkshire on Friday evening and at the Amex on Monday night.

If Chris Hughton’s side progress then he would also miss the Wembley final against Hull or Derby on May 28.

It is a severe blow for Hughton and the influential midfielder, who was ruled out by injury the last time Albion were in the play-offs two seasons ago.

This season Stephens has:

* Scored seven goals, including the equaliser at Boro.

* Missed only one match out of 46 in the Championship.

* Consistently starred alongside Beram Kayal.

* Been picked by managers as the sixth-best player in the league.

Now his team-mates can soften the blow by turning him into a Premier League player next season.