Appeal on cards as Ross hits out at sending off

SUNDERLAND will appeal Max Power’s red card at Walsall – with Jack Ross absolutely adamant that it “wasn’t even close” to a sending off.

Power was shown a straight red for the third time this season midway through the first half at Walsall for a challenge on Liam Kinsella, and if the card is not rescinded, he will face a five-game ban and will also miss the Checkatrade Trophy game against Notts County.

Sunderland failed with an appeal against Power’s dismissal against Oxford United at the beginning of September, and did not try to overturn the card he received at Bradford City in October.

But Ross insists his player was harshly treated by referee Craig Hicks at the Bescot Stadium.

“It is not a sending off,” he said. “This season I try and be fairly measured with all my comments, even with officials, at times we have had some decisions go against us.

“If you take Max in isolation, I think your gut tells you at the time – having been experienced in playing and coaching – and against Oxford I could see why it was given, Bradford is an easier one.

“Today, my gut reaction at the time is that it isn’t even a yellow card. I have had the benefit of watching it back, it isn’t even a yellow card.

“If it isn’t overturned, I would be amazed.

“It is a huge decision to make at that time and it is not a red card, you can’t put up an argument for it being a red card.

“It is hugely frustrating, we were very good in that opening period of the game, I don’t want to be disrespectful and say we would have definitely won the game but in the opening period we were very good and it had an impact on the rest of the game, as we know.”

Asked whether Sunderland would appeal, he said: “Without a shadow of doubt.

“If I had no TV replays I would appeal it, I knew at the time it wasn’t a red.

“I have watched it and it isn’t even close. That is only my opinion, other people’s opinion that matter on it.

“I asked the ref at half-time and he said for serious foul play. Naturally, I disagreed with that.”

Power was apologetic towards him and his teammates in the dressing room, but the manager believes he should not have to feel that way.

“It is ridiculous for him to be apologetic as he doesn’t even give the referee a decision to make,” he said.