Rochdale manager Jimmy McNulty described the decision to send Kairo Mitchell off in the first half of their 1-1 draw with Hartlepool United as “disappointing” and said that the club will appeal the decision.
The Grenadian international saw red in the 37th minute following a strong challenge on Tom Parkes just inside the Pools half.
And while Rochdale rallied to rescue a late point as former Pools frontman Devante Rodney cancelled out Joe Grey’s opener in the fifth and final minute of added time, McNulty admitted he was having a hard time coming to terms with referee Richard Eley’s decision.
“It was a very disappointing decision from the referee,” he told the Rochdale club website.
“It’s the second time this season that I’ve been to see the referee after the game – I just needed to.
“I just felt that, live, it was almost fan-led. It was on that side of the pitch, not directly in front of the Hartlepool fans, but kind of.
“These guys have got difficult decisions, I respect that.
“It’s one of the first times that I fully believe we’re going to have an appeal overturned.
“It’s a clean, low, safe tackle.”
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