Leeds to appeal Smith red card

Leeds manager David O'Leary today confirmed the club would appeal against Alan Smith's sending-off in the FA Cup defeat at Cardiff…

Leeds manager David O'Leary today confirmed the club would appeal against Alan Smith's sending-off in the FA Cup defeat at Cardiff.

Smith was shown the red card for the sixth time in his career during yesterday's explosive and controversial third-round defeat to the Second Division side at Ninian Park.

With the tie delicately balanced at 1-1, the turning point arrived just before half-time when Smith attempted to fend off the unwanted attentions of Cardiff full-back Andy Legg as the left-back had a firm hold of his shirt.

Smith, in trying to free himself and run on, caught Legg in the face with his forearm - the defender then holding his mouth as he fell to the ground.

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Referee Andy D'Urso did not hesitate in issuing the red card.

Manager David O'Leary felt Smith had been "disgracefully done by", before accusing referees in general of having "an agenda" against the 21-year-old.

And today he confirmed: "We will be appealing. We will be sending a video down to the FA."

Before today's announcement by Leeds, Legg promised to help Smith.

PA