Albion are mounting an appeal against Gary Hart's controversial red card in Tuesday's defeat by Wimbledon.

Boss Steve Coppell has decided to fight the decision by referee Joe Ross after studying video evidence.

Hart was sent-off just before half-time following a clash off the ball with Wimbledon's Norwegian defender Tord Andersen.

Coppell said: "We will be appealing. I was informed after the game by the ref that he was sent off for pushing his hand into an opponent's face. I have replayed it a hundred times and at no stage can you see even a remote possibility of that.

"The ball was played over the top and Harty tried to put pressure on the defender. Andersen slightly baulked his passage and there was a little bit of physical contact.

"As Harty turned to protest to the ref the two of them collided. There was some contact there, either between their faces or Harty's head and Andersen's face, but it was 100 per cent accidental.

"Andersen was justified in going down, but there is no way Harty intentionally raised his hands or butted him."

Hart will not face internal disciplinary action, irrespective of whether or not Ross changes his mind.

"In the cold light of day, without the emotion of the crowd, I just hope Joe sits in a room by himself and looks at it," Coppell said.

"Whether he reconsiders or not, I won't be taking any action against Harty and that is saying something. I have been known to fine players, even when they haven't been sent-off for raising a hand."

Hart is due to start a three-match ban on January 22.

Match report at thisisthealbion.co.uk