Whittle was shown the red card at Rushden & Diamonds a fortnight ago, and after much deliberation the FA have decided to back referee Eddie Evans' decision. Manager Peter Taylor called the FA's actions "laughable."
Meanwhile, Jamie Forrester is set to be out for the rest of the season after tests on his ankle injury revealed a fracture. However, the £100,000 signing of Ben Burgess on Thursday leaves City well covered in attacking areas.