Jack Ross provides update on Glenn Loovens' red card appeal - and reveals fresh Sunderland injury blow

Sunderland will not be appealing Glenn Loovens' red card at Portsmouth - because the defender injured himself during the challenge.
Sunderland will not appeal Glenn Loovens' red card at PortsmouthSunderland will not appeal Glenn Loovens' red card at Portsmouth
Sunderland will not appeal Glenn Loovens' red card at Portsmouth

Loovens was dismissed early in the second half for a tackle on Oli Hawkins, with that decision changing the game.

And while manager Jack Ross hinted that he may launch an appeal against the red card, he has now revealed that he won't be trying to overturn the decision.

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That's because the Dutch defender injured himself during the challenge, ruling him out for a couple of weeks, meaning any appeal would be 'irrelevant'.

But Ross did question the decision and felt it fell into something of a 'grey area' within the laws of the game.

"Glenn actually injured himself in the challenge anyway so will be out for a couple of weeks," Ross admitted.

"It means it becomes an irrelevance.

"I had a good conversation with the match officials after the game, after I had spoken to the press, because I had to wait half an hour to see them.

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"We had a sensible conversation and I do think it's one of those that falls into a little bit of a grey area, because the changes to the rule - they're clear in some respects but this challenge probably falls in-between somewhere.

"I don't think Glenn makes a clean attempt to win the ball, but I don't think he makes a clear attempt to stop them reaching the ball.

"I can understand why it was given, but I also think the match officials should understand why there might be a case to put forward for it not being a red card.

"But it's irrelevant. It's given as a red card and we have to play the half with a man short."

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Loovens' injury is a fresh blow for Jack Ross, and leaves him light in defensive areas ahead of the visit of Bradford on Boxing Day.

But he is hopeful that he could welcome back Tom Flanagan - who is set to train today.

"Tom has missed the last couple of games, but we're hopeful he might be available," added Ross.

"He was in yesterday and should be on the training pitch today, so how he reacts we'll just have to wait and see."