‘Well done Ross’ – Sunderland fans praise decision to appeal Alim Ozturk’s red card

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Sunderland manager Jack Ross has confirmed that the club will appeal Alim Ozturk’s red card against Portsmouth.

Ozturk was dismissed in the second half, shortly after Chris Maguire scored the game’s only goal, after taking down Gareth Evans.

Portsmouth midfielder Evans knocked the ball away and Ozturk clipped him when sliding in. And the referee decided that Evans had been denied a clear goalscoring chance.

But replays showed that Evans took the ball wide before being fouled. And he would not necessarily have been through on goal.

Ozturk could not believe the decision but Sunderland managed to hold on for the victory. They now head to Fratton Park with a one-goal advantage.

However, they must wait to learn whether Ozturk will be available. The 26-year-old faces a three-match suspension if the appeal is unsuccessful.

This would mean he misses the return leg at Portsmouth and the play-off final if Sunderland progress, as well as the first one or two games next season.

Ross will be hopeful that his appeal will be successful and Ozturk could return on Thursday night. Here are some tweets from Sunderland fans reflecting on the decision.