RICARDO Fuller has left Ipswich Town and returned to Southampton a week early after failing to have his red card overturned.The Jamaican international was last night back on the south coast facing a two-match ban but could still return to Portman Road next season.

RICARDO Fuller has left Ipswich Town and returned to Southampton a week early after failing to have his red card overturned.

The Jamaican international was last night back on the south coast facing a two-match ban but could still return to Portman Road next season.

Fuller was shown a red card for making an obscene gesture to Palace fans in the 2-2 draw on Saturday, and after just serving a one-match ban for picking up his fifth booking in the 2-0 win over Leicester City, would have missed the games against Hull City and Luton Town if he had stayed.

Fuller's initial month's loan was due to expire after the home game with Hull but Royle had already expressed a desire to keep him for longer if finances permitted.

Blues boss Joe Royle considered appealing but was advised there was no point and so last night told Fuller they could not justify keeping him on.

Royle said: “I explained the situation to Ricardo and he has gone back to Southampton, which is sad but it had to be done.

“I spoke to the FA and there was no real point in appealing because whether it was to the linesman or the crowd it would still be a one-match ban.”

Meanwhile Ipswich Reserves lost 1-0 to Chelsea at Portman Road last night.

Skipper Gerard Nash headed over in the opening moments while fellow centre back Casement was not far away with an overhead kick and Billy Clarke miscued with a left-footed effort.

Lewis Price tipped over from Jimmy Smith but neither keeper was troubled too much in an even first half.

Chelsea's Smith scored with a stunning 25-yard free kick midway through the first half that crashed in off a post.

Town gave trialist Laurie Wilson, from the Charlton Academy, a run out in the second half in place of Scott Mitchell, who played well in front of two Boston United scouts who were running the rule over him.

Ipswich Town Res: Price, Mitchell (Wilson, 67), McEveley, Skard, Casement, Nash, Peters (Leabon, 76), Lordan, McDonald, Clarke and Haynes (Knights, 50). Subs not used: Short and Petursson.