Swansea City to appeal Ryan Manning dismissal

8th March
First team
Referee Jarred Gillett sends Ryan Manning off

Russell Martin has confirmed Swansea City will appeal against the red card Ryan Manning received in the defeat against Championship leaders Fulham.

The game at the Swansea.com Stadium saw the Swans on top in the early proceedings, however, after Manning was given his marching orders five minutes before the break, the tone of the game was flipped on its head as the league leaders ran out 5-1 winners.

Head coach Martin was adamant that there wasn’t enough in the defender’s challenge on Harry Wilson to warrant a dismissal, and made the clear the intention to try and overturn the decision, which has left Manning facing a four-match ban.

“We will appeal, he (Ryan Manning) will get four games anyway because he has been sent off before,” said Martin.

“After watching it back numerous times, in my opinion it was a poor decision.

“I couldn’t believe how quickly he got the red card out and I think everyone was really surprised.”

Flynn Downes Fulham

Martin is also hopeful the knock that forced Flynn Downes off at half-time will not sideline the midfielder for Saturday's trip to take on Blackpool.

"He took a kick. We missed him and we needed him on the pitch when we were down to 10 men, but he was really sore," said Martin.

"You have to look at the fact we have a lot of games coming up, and we had to weigh up whether we should put him back out there or look ahead and try and manage it that way.

"It hurt us not to have him on the pitch, but you have to see the bigger picture."