Chance for Josh Scowen as Sunderland opt against appealing George Dobson red card

Dobson was shown red for a lunge on Jayden Mitchell-Lawson as tried to win the ball back and launch a counter-attack.

Parkinson said the 22-year-old had won the ball but conceded the ‘manner’ of the challenge can often result in a red. He will now serve a three-match ban, with Scowen the likeliest to come into the side.

Scowen had come close to winning selection after scoring and producing three assists in the 8-1 demolition of Aston Villa U21s last Tuesday, but Parkinson ultimately opted to persist with the shape and personnel that had impressed against Hull City in the Carabao Cup last Saturday.

Speaking about the red card at the weekend, Parkinson said: “He won the ball.

"I thought at the time it was going to be a yellow, but the kind of manner of the challenge, sometimes they get interpreted as a red. It’s frustrating for George, but it will give someone else an opportunity.

“We've got Josh and Grant who both played well the other night and will be available for selection next week.

“In terms of the appeal, I'll have a look at it again in the next 20 minutes.

“He's clearly won the ball, I had a great view of it.”

Having looked at it again, however, the club has decided not to appeal the red.

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