Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini revealed his club will appeal against Vincent Kompany's red card in Sunday's 2-0 win against Arsenal.
City captain Kompany faces a three-match ban after being dismissed by referee Mike Dean for a foul on Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere in the 75th minute at the Emirates Stadium.
But Mancini is adamant the Belgian defender was harshly treated as television replays showed he won the ball with his tackle and he plans to appeal the decision to the Football Association.
"Yes we will appeal, absolutely," Mancini said. "It is not a red card, it is no foul. I don't know how this is possible.
"I didn't see it from the bench but I saw the replay. He (Kompany) is disappointed because he told me 'boss I did nothing'."
Mancini hinted that Dean's decision may have been influenced by the Arsenal crowd after he was repeatedly booed for sending off Gunners defender Laurent Koscielny early in the first half for a professional foul on Edin Dzeko.
"The referee probably saw a bad tackle. Sometimes it is possible to be influenced by the pressure from the crowd but I don't know, you will have to ask him," Mancini said after his side moved back within seven points of leaders Manchester United.
"If it was a red card I would say that. We will appeal and I think we will win. We would have a problem otherwise because we are missing a lot of players."
Source: AFP
