O’Brien red card appeal

NEWCASTLE have lodged an appeal against defender Andy O’Brien’s red card in Sunday’s 5-0 defeat at Chelsea.

The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland defender was dismissed by referee Paul Durkin, who adjudged that he had hauled striker Adrian Mutu to the ground and gave a penalty.

Both the player and his manager, Bobby Robson, were furious about the decision, and their complaints were backed up by TV replays which showed minimal contact outside the penalty area before the Romanian stumbled into the box.

If the appeal is unsuccessful, O’Brien could play against Manchester City on November 22, but miss the trip to Wolves a week later.