Cardiff to appeal McPhail Red

Stephen McPhail was dismissed in the final minutes of yesterdays 1-3 reversal at Colchester United. The midfielder was shown a straight red after being deemed to be guilty of a professional foul and being the last man back.

McPhail tangled with Ritchie Jones, on-loan striker form Manchester United, and there appeared to be little in the challenge but the resulting penalty was well dispatched by Jamie Cureton to seal the game. The sending off had no effect on the result but adds insult to injury and may mean a 3 match suspension for McPhail.

Dave Jones was extremely disappointed with the decision and hopes the referee himself will rescind the decision.

'Hopefully the referee will back-track and admit he made a mistake' said Jones.

'The lad took an air shot and they both fell to the ground.It was never a penalty or a sending off.'

He then vowed to appeal through the official channels but Cardiff have never recieved much co-operation via this method and Glenn Loovens' ban earlier this season was upheld.

'We will send our appeal off to the FAW and see what they think although I don't have the best of records with them.'


McPhail has played a big part for City this season and his crisp passing and quick movement has featured prominently. Willo Flood or Joe Ledley would take over in central midfield should the ban be upheld but Cardiff have faltered each time a key player has been missing so will be hoping that this ban is over-turned.

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