Published: Monday, 8th December, 2008 9:00am

Royals appeal Kebe red card

by Anthony Smith

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Wing Wizard: Reading have appealed against Jimmy Kebe's red card at Oakwell.

READING have launched an appeal against Jimmy Kebe's red card in Saturday's 1-0 victory at Barnsley.

The Mali winger was shown a straight red by referee Clive Oliver following a clash with Tykes defender Dennis Souza.

Royals lodged their appeal before Monday's 1pm deadline and the Football Association are due to make a decision before 4pm on Tuesday.

If the decision is overturned, Kebe will be available to play against Blackpool who visit the Madejski Stadium later that same evening for an 8pm kick-off.

However, if Oliver's decision is upheld Kebe will face an immediate three-match ban ruling him out of the Blackpool game, the home fixture with Norwich on Saturday and the trip to promotion-rivals Birmingham City on Saturday, December 20.

Reading director of football Nick Hammond explained: "The footage of the incident isn't absolutely clear but you can see the Barnsley player who was involved and his reaction is clear.

"Steve Coppell also had a clear view and believes it was very harsh and unfair. We are not the sort of club to make frivolous appeals."

Reading have now been reduced to 10 men in successive away games as Andre Bikey was also red carded in the 2-2 draw at Cardiff City after clashing with Michael Chopra.

Royals did not appeal that decision due to a lack of video evidence, though they insisted the player was innocent.

Hammond argued: "We feel a bit aggrieved at the moment. We've had a player sent off in our last two away games and we believe neither red card was justified. We're not having the best of luck."