'No malice' in Travis challenge on Pompey's Thompson

The Blackburn defender was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Nathan Thompson on Tuesday night.

The Blues midfielder luckily escaped injury after being on the receiving end of the tackle in stoppage-time.

But referee Oliver Langford deemed it dangerous play and immediately brandished a red card.

The 20-year-old will now miss three games because of a suspension.

However, speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Mowbray said Travis didn't go out to intentionally hurt Thompson.

He said: 'First and foremost I know Lewis Travis and he’s a committed footballer.

“What I would say, as I said to the fourth official, Travis wouldn’t go to try and hurt anyone.

'But he’s a ferocious footballer, he wants to win every five-a-side, every tackle.

'I’m sure there would be no-one more upset than Lewis, he’s a young boy who has come through the under-23s, got an opportunity and it’s sad for him.

'I do know that he doesn’t have the malice in his heart, he’s a good honest footballer trying to make his way in the game and tried to show his commitment with his enthusiasm.

'If it is a red card, there would be no malice in there.'