Sunderland Football Club News

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Martin O'Neill

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48,353

Cats appeal McCartney card

23 Mar 2009 - 15:41:42

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Sunderland have launched an appeal against the red card shown to George McCartney during Sunday's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City.

The full-back was dismissed for pulling Shaun Wright-Phillips back in the 15th minute at Eastlands as the City winger chased a long ball.

After the match manager Ricky Sbragia suggested the Black Cats would contest referee Steve Tanner's decision and the club has now lodged an appeal with the Football Association.

"There was some sort of contact but the goalkeeper had got the ball in his hands," said Sbragia afterwards.

"The referee asked the linesman a question but there was no definitive answer.

"They ummed and ahhed a bit and came up with that. It was the pivotal moment."

Should Sunderland fail with their appeal then McCarthy will miss the return to former club West Ham United on April 4.