Hammers appeal Defoe dismissal

West Ham have made an appeal for wrongful dismissal to the Football Association after striker Jermain Defoe was sent off against Walsall on Saturday.

The England Under-21 international – reported to be a target for Manchester United and Arsenal in the January transfer window – was shown a straight red card by referee Scott Matheson for what the official saw as a kick at Walsall’s Ian Roper.