Norwich City appeals over Grant Holt red card
Championship side Norwich City has appealed the red card that was shown to captain and striker Grant Holt during the 3-3 draw at Reading last weekend.
Norwich boss Paul Lambert was furious after Holt was shown a straight red card by referee Michael Oliver for stepping over the ball and allegedly making contact with Reading's Ian Harte.
"I don't think it was a sending-off.
I thought Grant Holt's decision was a disgrace.
It is a nigh-on pathetic decision. I've seen it about 19 times and it's never a red card. We played brilliantly and Holt was on fire," Lambert told Sky Sports.
The regulation ban for a player that is shown a straight red card is three games. This would mean Holt missing important matches against Leeds United, Ipswich Town and
Derby County.
If the appeal is successful then the ban is likely to be reduced down to a single game. If the red card is dismissed altogether then it would mean a yellow card for Holt
and nothing more. However, if the Football Association says Norwich is wasting time then the ban could be increased to four games.
"He caused no end of problems [the referee] and to send him off was
incredible. That was pathetic," added Lambert.
Holt has started 16 games for Norwich this season and has come off the bench as a substitute in one. This suggests Holt is a vital component of the way Norwich plays. He
is also the club's highest scorer so far this season. His importance in the side is undoubted and could be the main reason behind the appeal.
The chances of the appeal being successful are up in the air at the moment because the referee will argue that there is clear evidence of Holt stepping over the ball. This
suggests intent and could be a reason for the Football Association to reject the claim.
Betting advice
Back Holt to score in any game he plays for the club. The impact of him missing shouldn't be too great for a few games but there's little doubt Norwich is a bigger attacking
threat with Holt in the side.
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