Ritchie to appeal against Chopra Red Card

Last updated : 13 March 2005 By Mad Tyke

Reds caretaker manager felt the decision to dismiss Michael Chopra for a second bookable offence of diving was harsh and will appeal.

Match official Mick Fletcher has already agreed to take another look at the match video.

Ritchie said: "Michael has no reputation for that sort of thing and why should he have dived in the centre of the pitch?

"I thought it was a harsh decision and the referee has agreed to look at the video to see if he got it right.

"It was a battle for us after the red card, but the lads worked really hard and we were good value for our point."

On Simon Johnson's early miss, Ritchie added: "It was just one of those things,"

"I think he was caught in two minds; whether to shoot first time or to try and go past the defender before shooting.

"Unfortunately he mis-cued his attempt and I'm sure he'll get a bit of stick from the lads. In the end I was very pleased with the effort of my players today."