Watford are appealing Jose Holebas’ red card against West Ham in the hope the defender will be available to play in Saturday’s FA Cup Final.
The left-back was sent off on Sunday during the Hornets’ 4-1 defeat to West Ham after he was adjudged to have pulled down Michail Antonio as he broke forward.
There appeared to be minimal contact on the 29-year-old, but referee Chris Kavanagh gave Holebas his marching orders after assistant referee Dan Cook flagged for a foul.
It means Holebas is due to be suspended for Watford’s FA Cup final with Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.
However, Standard Sport understands that Watford are appealing the decision in the hope the 34-year-old will not be denied the chance to play in one of the biggest games of his career.
Holebas will now face an FA hearing this week and head coach Javi Gracia cannot believe his defender is at risk of missing Saturday’s final for the challenge on Antonio.
“I kept the same attitude I've had all season. I don't want to change with the last one. I prefer to be respectful,” said Gracia.
“I think in this moment I don't want to say what I am thinking about that, but I only say I can't believe a player will miss the final for that play.
“For that contact, I can't believe it. Maybe it was a light foul, maybe a soft foul - but I can't agree with that [decision]."
