Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley joins John Marquis red card debate and confirms an appeal will follow

And he confirmed that the club would most likely appeal the ruling, with the front man facing the prospect of an immediate three-match ban.

Marquis, who was making his Blues comeback following an ankle injury, was dismissed on 68 minutes following a foul on Shrews forward Harrison Chapman.

He was shown a straight red card for incident – leaving the visitors to defend a slender 2-1 lead for the remaining 22 minutes of the New Meadow game.

Pompey were successful in keeping Steve Cotterill’s team at bay, securing all three points and moving back into the play-off positions as they climbed up to fifth.

Marquis, who scored the Blues’ all-important second goal, told The News that he was shocked by the outcome of the challenge.

And that verdict was shared by his manager, with Cowley insisting it wasn’t a reckless tackle.

Speaking at the final whistle, the Pompey head coach said: ‘I was just really surprised by the ref showing a red card, I just didn't see it as a red card.

‘I think it was a robust challenge, the ball’s came into John and his touch just got away from him.

‘But he's an honest boy and he just went after the ball.

‘He actually gets his foot to the ball and his foot's on the floor.

‘I felt he was in control, so there was no intention and it wasn't reckless.

‘It was a straight red so potentially it will be a three-game ban, but I anticipate as a club that'll well look at it and appeal.

‘Time will tell (if it's worth it). But we'll have a good look at, sit down without the emotion and look clearly at the challenge.

‘I've already looked at it on the slow motion twice and, like I said, the ball’s on the floor, his foot's on the floor. He actually plays the ball. I didn't look like a red card to me.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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