IPSWICH TOWN have launched an appeal against Pablo Counago's red card at Scunthorpe on Saturday.They are also totally refuting allegation that the Spaniard spat at Iron defender Andy Butler leading up to the incident with Jack Cork who was also dismissed.

Derek Davis

IPSWICH TOWN have launched an appeal against Pablo Counago's red card at Scunthorpe on Saturday.

They are also totally refuting allegation that the Spaniard spat at Iron defender Andy Butler leading up to the incident with Jack Cork who was also dismissed.

Blues boss Jim Magilton said: “We have looked at the video and it is handbags at best.

“We think we have grounds for an appeal and will be putting together video evidence to back our case.

“Their lad puts his hand in Pablo's face and Pablo just pushes him away. I think the referee could have pulled the two lads together and told them to 'grow up' and left it at that.”

Counago faces a total six-match ban if found guilty of both offences, which would keep him out of action until the Hull City game on the final day of the season.

The FA could also add an extra game's ban if they consider the appeal frivolous, while Scunthorpe have already indicated they will not appeal Cork's sending off.

Counago has so far only been charged with the violent conduct offence but the FA have already said they have the power to add a charge of spitting if they find any evidence but Magilton is adamant the striker did not aim at Butler.

Magilton said: “I have spoken to Pablo about the incident and he assures me he did not spit in their player's face.

“I would come down hard on any player that I feel is guilty of spitting in the face of a fellow pro but Pablo says he didn't do that and I believe him.

“He doesn't lie and I will stand up for him. I have watched the video and he gets caught by an elbow and spits out blood.

“It may be in the vague direction of a player but it is nowhere near the players and certainly not in the lad's face.”