Manchester City appeal against Pablo Zabaleta's red card in Arsenal stalemate

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER Updated: 08:28 EST, 7 January 2011

Manchester City have appealed the red card shown to Pablo Zabaleta in Wednesday night's stalemate with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The City defender was dismissed in the closing stages of the 0-0 draw following an altercation with Bacary Sagna.

Early bath: Referee Mike Jones dismissed Zabaleta and Sagna during the 0-0 draw

Zabaleta looked unfortunate at the time and TV replays appeared to back up that view.

A three-match ban that would rule him out of matches against Leicester, Wolves and Aston Villa.

'We are a little bit disappointed with that decision,' said assistant manager Brian Kidd. 'It was very harsh.'

A statement on the FA website said: 'Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta has submitted a claim for wrongful dismissal.

'Zabaleta was shown a red card during City's match against Arsenal on 5 January. 'A Regulatory Commission will hear the claim on Friday 7 January.'

Take that: Zabaleta and Sagna clashed off the ball in the closing stages

Sagna was also dismissed by referee Mike Jones, and the Arsenal defender will not appeal against the decision.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: 'I have seen it again and there is no way we can appeal. For me it is a red card and we have to accept it.'