Unhappy Portsmouth vow to appeal Jack Whatmough red against Lincoln

The Blues had to play an hour with 10 men following the centre-half’s first-half challenge on Jorge Grant.

It was a controversial moment which handed the advantage to Michael Appleton’s visitors following a tight opening.

Ultimately, the Imps claimed a 1-0 victory through substitute Morgan Rogers’ 79th-minute winner.

Kenny Jackett was afterwards critical of referee Sam Purkiss’ controversial decision.

And he revealed the club are to appeal a potential three-game ban for Whatmough.

Pompey’s boss told The News: ‘I was surprised that it was a red, I was expecting a yellow card at the time.

‘While I always respect the referee’s decision, we will be appealing.

‘I assessed it at the time, it was a gut feeling if you like, but then, looking after it after, whether he feels Jack played the man as well as the ball, it’s quite clear on the replay he got the ball.

‘He may deem it a yellow, he may deem it a good tackle, but in my opinion I didn’t think it was a red.

‘It’s hard to not comment on an incident which has clarified the game. After seeing it again, we will be appealing.

‘Following the sending off, I did feel we battled bravely and did a lot of good things and were unlucky not to get a goal at the end.

‘But they have edged it, congratulations to them. You’ve got to find a way to win – and they did.’

Rasmus Nicolaisen was introduced at half-time for Marcus Harness, joining Sean Raggett in the centre of defence.

With Paul Downing sidelined by a hamstring injury, Nicolaisen is in line to deputise for Whatmough in Saturday’s trip to Charlton.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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