Wednesday 28 December 2011 13:03, UK
Northampton have lodged an appeal against the red card shown to John Johnson during the Boxing Day defeat to Burton.
Defender Johnson was sent off after just 18 minutes following a challenge on Albion captain John McGrath. Following his side's 3-2 victory at Sixfields, Burton boss Paul Peschisolido even expressed his sympathy for Johnson. Cobblers manager Aidy Boothroyd said: "We are appealing. I didn't think it was a red card at the time, but given the referee's position I can see why he made the decision he did. However, having looked at it more than 50 times on DVD, slowing the incident down, I believe we have a good case. "At no point does John Johnson look at the other player. His eyes are fixed on the ball at all times. It is nothing more than an honest, genuine challenge and that is what I have learnt to expect from John." Northampton will get a decision from the Football Association on Thursday. Should the appeal be unsuccessful Johnson will begin a three-match suspension when Swindon visit Sixfields on New Year's Eve. He would also miss the league games away at Shrewsbury (January 2) and Morecambe (January 7).
