Southampton hope for defensive boost ahead of Newcastle United clash after lodging red card appeal

Southampton are appealing against Mike Dean’s controversial decision to send off defender Jan Bednarek in the 9-0 loss to Manchester United.

By PA reporter

Published 3rd Feb 2021, 13:20 BST

Injury-ravaged Saints are hoping that the Poland international will have his one-match ban rescinded and be available for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men ran amok at Old Trafford on a night which started with Saints teenager Alexandre Jankewitz being shown a red card less than 90 seconds into his first start.

While there was no arguing with that given the terrible challenge on Scott McTominay, the PA news agency understands Southampton are appealing against the decision to send off Bednarek for a foul on Anthony Martial.

Video assistant referee Graham Scott instructed Dean to watch replays of the incident on the pitchside monitor, with the referee keeping with his decision to award a penalty and also sending off the bemused centre-back.

Bednarek claimed “Martial said it’s not a foul” as he left the pitch, with Bruno Fernandes scoring the 87th-minute penalty.