Walsall appeal Andy Butler red card

Walsall today launched an appeal against captain Andy Butler's red card - but will discover if he can face Sheffield United tomorrow just six hours before kick-off.

The Saddlers believe there is enough evidence to clear the skipper, who was sent off in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Hartlepool.

Hartlepool's Nathan Luscombe was also dismissed in the challenge, with both Walsall manager Dean Smith and Hartlepool boss Mick Wadsworth challenging the call at the time.

But Hartlepool have opted not to appeal Luscombe's card, with replays showing the midfielder left the ground.

The Saddlers have sent evidence to the Football Association, with the hearing to be held tomorrow and Butler facing a three game ban.

But it leaves the defender's involvement in the Bramall Lane trip in limbo, with the Saddlers set to discover whether they have been successful around 2pm.

Walsall's appeal follows boss Smith's initial reaction that referee Paul Tierney got it wrong, after watching replays at half time and after the game.

The Saddlers boss said: "I had the benefit of looking at it and I don't think it's a sending off. Andy's won the ball with one foot and the other one has gone through as the other lad's come in.

"I didn't even know the other lad got sent off, it was very confusing and a shame because you want to keep 11 against 11 and make it a proper game."

The sending off was the Saddlers' second in two games, after Adam Chambers' dismissal in last week's 3-0 Carling Cup defeat to Middlesbrough.

But Smith doesn't want his side to lose their desire and warned they face the axe if they do.

He said: "They've got to have a competitive edge otherwise they won't be playing for me. We want to see players working hard.

"What we don't want are reckless challenges where players are going in over the top looking to hurt people.

"I want committed players who are committed to the cause and I feel I've got that."