Kim Cessford - 19.08.12 - pictured at Tannadice the SPL match between Dundee United and Dundee - l to r - Johnny Russell (United) is sent off by ref Calum Murray
Dundee United and Dundee will be appealing the red cards shown to Johnny Russell and Stephen O’Donnell during Sunday’s derby.
The Tangerines were left dismayed when referee Calum Murray sent Russell packing for alleged retaliation after he was tackled by the Dark Blues’ captain, while Dens Park boss Barry Smith is equally convinced his man was harshly treated
After reviewing video evidence of the incident United have confirmed they will be paying the £1000 required to ask the SFA to look at it again.
A Tannadice source said: ”We will definitely be appealing the Johnny Russell red card.”
Smith had hoped that referee Calum Murray would change his mind after seeing TV evidence of the incident and rescind the red card.
However, he has also confirmed they too will now be launching an appeal in a bid to have the influential midfielder available for Saturday’s crucial clash with Ross County.
Smith said: ”We are appealing Stephen’s red card. We felt it wasn’t a sending-off at the time and we stand by that. So we hope that the decision is overturned and Stephen is free to play for us this weekend.”
