Sunderland, England – Sunderland has appealed a straight red card issued to midfielder Stephane Sessegnon in Monday's 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The 28-year-old was dismissed by referee Lee Probert midway through the second half for a rash challenge on Villa's Yacouba Sylla.
Sessegnon faces a three-man ban which would put an end to his season if upheld, but the club opted to appeal on grounds that his sending off was unfair.
Black Cats manager Paolo Di Canio confirmed the club's intention to file an appeal following the match:
"There was not a straight leg, it is not a bad challenge," he told the club's official website. "We saw the clip straight away in the dressing room. There was no intention to damage the opponent, so we are going to appeal."
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