Bristol were adamant Siale Piutau acted in self-defence at Worcester, but the veteran midfield's three-game ban will stand after an appeal was dismissed.
Siale Piutau has already missed one match, sitting out the Tuesday night Bristol win over Northampton, but Pat Lam still wants the ban appealed.
Pat Lam has difficulty accepting why Siale Piutau received a three-match ban, the same as the Worcester player who attacked the Bristol midfielder.
As it currently stands, Tongan captain Siale Piatua will play his final Test match on Sunday in Osaka when Tonga go to war with the USA. A familial connection could lead to him potentially donning the red jersey in the future, however.
Coach Toutai Kefu has revamped his Tongan side to take on Japan in the second round of the Pacific Nations Cup, which sees the return of regular captain Siale Piutau.
Luke Morahan has had his eyes opened during his two years in England, but the Australian believes rugby in his own country continues to generate too many negative headlines.
Pat Lam gave Siale Piutau the option of skipping Bristol's match last Saturday after devastating family news emerged, but the Tonga leader decided to courageously play on.
Bristol have responded to New Zealand media reports linking ex-All Blacks star Charles Piutau with a change in allegiance before the Olympics.