Sunderland duo handed suspensions

Sunderland confirmed today that captain Lee Cattermole has been given a four-match ban, while team-mate Stephane Sessegnon will be out for three games after their dismissals during the local derby with Newcastle United yesterday. Cattermole earned his tenth yellow card of the season after a clash with Cheick Tiote soon after kick-off, earning him a two-match ban. He was then given a straight red for foul and abusive language towards referee Mike Dean after the final whistle. Benin forward Sessegnon was dismissed in the second half for violent conduct after elbowing Tiote. Both players will miss the Black Cats' FA Cup quarter-final clash with Everton and Premier League games against Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers. Cattermole will also be relegated to the stands when Sunderland host Queens Park Rangers on 24 March. Newcastle battled back from a 1-0 deficit at half-time to draw yesterday's Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park 1-1, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from substitute Shola Ameobi. The bad-tempered match saw referee Dean issue two red cards and eight yellows as well as award a penalty to either side. Sunderland's Nicklas Bendtner converted his but Newcastle's Demba Ba had his spot-kick saved by Simon Mignolet.