Chelsea To Appeal Over Carlo Red

Last updated : 09 January 2003 By -

The outstanding Italian was controversially dismissed for allegedly kneeing Dean Windass in the head following a goalmouth melee, but the club are to appeal stating that Cudicini only acted as a form of self-defence.

The Football Association's official website, www.thefa.com stated: "We have received an appeal from Chelsea. The video evidence will be submitted to the Video Advisory Panel for their recommendations."

The Italian keeper however, is unlikely to receive any support from the Boro “striker” who was yellow carded for his reckless, pathetic challenge on the keeper as he himself, this week, has vocally backed the referee’s decision.

Windass told the Daily Mail newspaper: "Cudicini said he raised his knee because I was going to butt him. But I was on the ground at the time, so how could I?"

"We both hit the ground and, before I knew it, he was coming at me and he hit me on the side of the face with his knee.

"I am really annoyed because he said he didn't touch me or knee me but he did. He said he was protecting himself, but I was lying on the ground."

"I didn't send Cudicini off, the referee did, and he had absolutely no doubts," he said.

"He might have booked both of us but that was his decision and full marks to him for standing by it.

"I've heard what Chelsea had to say - and there were certainly plenty of people with things to say to me on Saturday - but my conscience is clear."

Should the red card stand, Cudicini will miss Premiership matches against Leeds and Manchester United as well as Chelsea's fourth-round FA Cup tie at Shrewsbury.

Why are the innocent always the victims? If Carlo is to be the victim of doing nothing, then maybe next time he should really put the boot/knee in and make it all worthwhile! This country’s referees are pathetic.

stevefurlong@chelsea-mad.co.uk