United and Dundee will appeal derby sendings-off

Dundee United and Dundee have both confirmed they are appealing against the red cards handed to their players in Sunday’s derby.

Both teams had to play the final 20 minutes a man short at Tannadice after a tackle between Dundee skipper Stephen O’Donnell and United forward Johnny Russell sparked a melee between both sets of players. When order had been restored, the two players were given their marching orders by referee Calum Murray. The Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash ended in a 3-0 win to United, with Russell on the scoresheet twice before his sending-off.

A statement from United read: “Dundee United today confirmed they have submitted an appeal to the Scottish FA relating to the red card dismissal of striker Johnny Russell during Sunday’s SPL game v Dundee FC.”

A Dundee statement on their website read: “CEO Scot Gardiner today confirmed that the club is to appeal the sending-off of
captain Stephen O’Donnell at Tannadice yesterday.”

Dundee manager Barry Smith felt referee Murray would rescind the straight red card once he had watched it on television.

However, Smith has confirmed his team will appeal in a bid to have O’Donnell available for Saturday’s home clash with Ross County.

Smith said: “We felt it wasn’t a sending-off at the time and we stand by that. So we hope that the decision is overturned and Stephen is free to play for us this weekend.”

Meanwhile, Inverness Caledonian Thistle captain Richie Foran will miss the Highlanders’ next two matches after the club elected not to appeal against the player’s dismissal against Hearts.

The 32-year-old was given his marching orders at Tynecastle after reckless challenge on Ryan McGowan on the stroke of half-time. Referee Bobby Madden deemed the tackle, during the 2-2 draw between the sides, as serious foul play, which carries an automatic two-game
suspension.