Dundalk will appeal Robbie Benson’s red card following the midfielder’s controversial sending off in last night’s defeat to Shamrock Rovers.
Midfielder Benson was shown a straight red card by referee Arnold Hunter in the 31st minute of the 4-0 loss to champions Shamrock Rovers.
He caught Lee Grace with a high foot as the Hoops defender tried to control a ball near the touchline.
Dundalk were trailing 1-0 to a Rory Gaffney goal at the time and unravelled thereafter with Grace, Johnny Kenny and Graham Burke all scoring to complete a rout.
But Lilywhites boss Stephen O’Donnell was fuming with the decision and felt it ruined the contest.
Previously, clubs could only appeal red cards in the case of mistaken identity but that rule has changed this season.
Appeals cost €500, although Bohemians failed to overturn a red card shown to Dylan Connolly away to Shelbourne earlier in the season.
Still, O’Donnell feels Dundalk should at least ask the question and said: “We will appeal it. I don't see how you can get involved and make such a decision.
“Anytime you go down to 10 men so early it changes the game. I don't even think Rovers players were looking for a red, I don't think it entered anyone's head.
“It’s just wanting to get involved and knowing you're making a match-defining decision so early in the game when there is zero need.
“If he feels it's a high leg and it's a yellow card, nobody would have batted an eyelid.”
O’Donnell continued: “The actual footage shows Robbie toes the ball first and then there's a coming together with Lee Grace.
“I don't think the officials need to get involved. Don't be eager to make a decision that's going to determine the game, there's no need.
“If it's not serious foul play - a tackle over the top, over the ball or a last man - then there's no need to make the decision.”
O’Donnell insists there was no malice in Benson’s actions and added: “He toes the ball. It's an honest challenge. Both players are putting their leg up to play the ball.
“Lee Grace had no issue after, he was hobbling and no issue playing on. There was no serious foul play there.
“I've no qualms when there's a need for a red card but don't be trying to force decisions when there's absolutely no need.”
Rovers boss Stephen Bradley felt Benson’s foot was high, but admitted it was a decision that could have gone either way.
Bradley said: “I don’t know if he catches him but it is high. At the last second the two pull back from it, but the fact it was his studs high I think that’s what got him sent off.
“We’ve had those go against us this year, those sort of decisions. Over the course of a season, as a manager, you just hope it evens itself out.”
ENDS
