Byrne appeal to hit Brown

CLIFF Byrne is hopeful the red card he picked up in a bizarre incident at Portsmouth will be overturned — which could spell bad news for Connor Brown.

If Athletic claim mistaken identity in appealing the decision to dismiss Byrne, Brown will take on a three-match ban for violent conduct as a result of a tangle with Pompey forward Jordan Obita, who was also sent off by referee Carl Berry.

"I was nowhere near it. I certainly hope the club will appeal,” said Byrne.

Dickov, who will be forced into a defensive reshuffle for the visit to Chesterfield in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tomorrow (7pm kick-off), felt that there was little in the incident.

“Cliff was nowhere near it and from what I saw, I don’t think Connor did a lot wrong either," said Athletic's manager.

“Their lad (Obita) is holding his shirt and Connor tried to push his hand away.”

Athletic had until 1pm today to lodge a claim for wrongful dismissal with the FA.






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