Hull City considering red card appeal as they face double defensive blow vs Sheffield Wednesday
Hull City could be without two key defenders for next Saturday’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday at the MKM Stadium.
Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović has confirmed they are considering appealing Charlie Hughes’ red card ahead of their clash with Sheffield Wednesday at the MKM Stadium next Saturday.
Centre-back Hughes was sent off in the Tigers’ 3-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon, contributing to what was a disappointing visit to the The Hawthorns for the play-off hopefuls.
The former Wigan Athletic defender, who scored the winner when the Tigers won 1-0 at Hillsborough last season, was dismissed with just under ten minutes of the first half remaining for pulling Baggies winger Jed Wallace back as he looked to advance into penalty area. Referee Josh Smith wasted no time in making his decision, reaching straight for a red card.
As it stands, Hughes, who has played a key role in the Tigers’ promotion push this season, will be suspended for next weekend’s clash with Henrik Pedersen’s side, but Jakirović has said they plan to appeal the decision.
"I spoke with the referee, and he explained to me it's a one hundred per cent chance," Jakirovic told Hull Live.
Hull facing Hughes suspension blow
“He said that he (Wallace) can shoot, he can play a pass back, but when I watch it now on video, it's foul, but his last touch was quite heavy, so Ivor [Pandur] is on the ball. He doesn't have control of this ball, and this is now tricky.
“I must respect the referee's decision, so we will see after maybe with an appeal, so that Charlie can play next week. "We will ask. We've lost nothing to ask, so we will see.
“The referee saw it as he did, and we have to respect that. This is a lack of concentration and focus, so it's a technical mistake (from Hughes)."
Elsewhere, Hull could also find themselves without captain Lewie Coyle for the clash with Wednesday after he limped off prior to half-time against West Brom. He took a heavy kick to his ankle and had to be assisted off the pitch.
The prospect of losing Coyle would leave Hull with just one available full-back for their clash with the Owls amid the current absences of Ryan Giles and Matty Jacob. Former Wednesday man Akin Famewo, who has provided left-back cover this season, is also currently sidelined.