Sunderland will appeal against Alim Ozturk’s red card - with Jack Ross desperate to have the defender available for the play-off semi-final second leg next week.
Ozturk was shown a straight red card for bringing down Portsmouth skipper Gareth Evans midway through the second half of the Black Cats’ 1-0 first leg win at the Stadium of Light.
Referee Andy Woolmer decided Ozturk’s challenge denied Evans a clear and obvious goalscoring opportunity, but Ross disagrees saying that the Pompey man was heading towards the edge of the penalty area rather than towards goal.
As it stands the resulting one-match ban would rule the centre-back out of Thursday’s return game at Fratton Park, but Ross has confirmed that the club will appeal against the ban in the hope of having Ozturk available.
“My reaction at the time was that it was impossible for me to see whether it was a foul or not from where I was,” said Ross.
“My criticism was that I didn’t think it was a clear goalscoring opportunity because I thought the touch has taken the Portsmouth player towards the side of the box.
“Having watched it again I am still of the same opinion, and we will appeal it on that basis.
“I don’t think it was clear and obvious, but I suppose people are going to think that I was always going to say that.
“I’ve looked at it though and tried to take a balanced view on it, and I think it was an incorrect decision.
“You can’t do anything about it when it happens, it’s just a case of trying to find a way to get through and win the game - ideally by more goals, but certainly by the one we already had.”
Ozturk has partnered Tom Flanagan in the final three league games before the first play-off game.
Ross said: “I’d prefer him to be available because I think he has done really well since he came into the team.
“We’ve made changes in that area of the pitch recently and he and Tom have done well.
“Hopefully those who consider appeals will see it the same way that I have, but if they don’t and he is not [available] we will have to adjust accordingly.”
Ozturk’s red card came five minutes after sub Chris Maguire had put Sunderland ahead.
If Ozturk’s appeal is rejected, Ross would have to turn to either Jimmy Dunne or Jack Baldwin to fill the gap.
Sunderland vs Portsmouth ratings: Maguire shines in second half as Black Cats step up
Full transcript: Sunderland's Chris Maguire and Jimmy Dunne's post-match verdict
