Stoke appeal Huth red card

Stoke City said Monday they were appealing against the sending off of defender Robert Huth in last weekend's Premier League defeat at home to Sunderland.

The German was shown a straight red card by referee Martin Atkinson for a tackle on Sunderland's David Meyler just before half-time.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis made it clear after the match Stoke were likely to appeal and criticised Meyler for the play-acting he felt led to Huth's exit.

Potters defender Jonathan Woodgate, speaking before the appeal was confirmed, was confident the red card would be rescinded.

"I never thought it was a sending off in a million years to be honest with you, and having spoken to Huthy in the dressing room, neither did he," Woodgate told Stoke's website.

"He was in full control of his body when he went in for the tackle; there was no malice there whatsoever, and in fact, I actually think he pulled his feet away from the ball to make sure he doesn't touch the lad.

"But I am sure that if we make an appeal, then the referee will admit that he got that certain decision wrong—although that won't help change the result."

Sunderland won 1-0 with a goal on the hour mark from winger James McClean.

Defeat left Stoke 12th in the 20-team Premier League.