Robins appeal Saltergate red cards

Referee Iain Williamson sent both players off for violent conduct following a melee early in the second half at Saltergate, with the match poised at 0-0.

With nine men, The Robins found it difficult to get the win they needed in order to keep pace for automatic promotion and succumbed to two late goals, thus forcing Danny Wilson's side into the play-offs next month.

Following a review of the match video, the West Country club have decided to appeal to The Football League over Williamson's red card decisions.

Brown faces a seven-match ban for his third red card of the season - the latter two coming in the last two matches - while Butler [pictured] faces four matches out after his second red card of the season.

"We felt hard done by on Saturday and believe the video evidence supports that view," assistant manager Frank Barlow told the club's official website.

"The melee was not as bad as the similar skirmish in the Cardiff City game.

"We were very close to it and it could have been sorted out without any red cards.

"We hope the referee will agree when he sees the video as it will strengthen our case with the league."