Bournemouth unlikely to appeal Simon Francis' red card
Tuesday 5 January 2016 16:08, UK
Eddie Howe says Bournemouth are unlikely to appeal against the controversial red card picked up by Simon Francis at Leicester City.
The Bournemouth captain was harshly sent off by referee Andre Marriner for his last-ditch tackle on Jamie Vardy during the goalless draw at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
Television replays showed Francis got to a touch on the ball during his sliding challenge on the Leicester striker in the 57th minute.
Marriner showed the Bournemouth defender a straight red and pointed to the penalty spot but Riyad Mahrez was denied by a save from Arthur Boruc.
Howe, whose team next play Birmingham in the FA Cup on Saturday, believes it was the wrong call and sought out Marriner after the match.
"There wasn't any aggression. I was asking him about suspensions and potential ways we could minimise any bans," said Howe.
"I do believe we would appeal it if he was due a three-game ban. But I am told it is just one game so with the FA Cup coming up, it is not too bad for us.
"For me it wasn't a penalty. Simon has come from the side and got a clear touch on the ball. It is not a penalty or a free-kick."
