Ref was right to dismiss Keane - Fergie

Keane was given his marching orders in the last-minute of the game at the Stadium of Light for appearing to strike former Republic of Ireland team-mate McAteer in the head with his elbow.

Ferguson had initially defended his captain over the dismissal but after viewing the incident on television the Scot believes Rennie had no choice but to show Keane the red card.

The Old Trafford supremo has blasted Keane for the offence and admitted that they will not be appealing the decision.

"Roy is the first United player to be sent off for this offence and I have said recently the use of the elbow is a growing problem in our game," Ferguson told the Sun.

"We won't appeal, the referee had no choice but to send him off.

"The replay I was shown immediately after the match was misleading. When I saw the TV pictures from a different angle, I saw the referee had no choice.

"I still think it was petty rather than grievous."

Reports suggest that Ferguson is set to hit Keane with a fine of two weeks` wages for the offence which is set to see the former Nottingham Forest ace suspended for three games.