Le Bris confirms Sunderland’s red card appeal rejected but receives double injury boost

Le Bris confirms Sunderland’s red card appeal rejected but receives double injury boost

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has confirmed that Sunderland’s appeal against Dan Ballard’s red card has been rejected.

The Northern Ireland international was shown a red card for a hair pull against Wolves last Saturday. Although Sunderland appealed the decision, the centre-back’s suspension has been upheld.

“Yes, we are (very disappointed),” said Le Bris on the appeal’s rejection. “Because the situation was a bit unclear. The Premier League is built around physicality, duels, intensity.

“I think Ballard tried to grab the shirt in the duel. Unfortunately long hair got caught, that wasn’t intentional, and the law is the law. So I understand the referee in one point but at the same time the rule is a bit unclear.”

The three-match suspension means that Ballard will be unavailable for the rest of the season.

His boss continued: “We will try to use the time to prepare for next season because we don’t have another choice.”

However, Ballard’s absence could provide others with a chance to prove their abilities, namely Lutsharel Geertruida.

The French coach admitted: “Yes an opportunity, of course. Because we’ve had different options this season. He is versatile, a bit like Trai (Hume).

“It’s really useful for the manager and the coaching team because when we need someone ready to play as a midfielder, centre-back, right-back, he can manage different positions. He did well but at the same time the completion in the specific position is often high.”