Preston North End attempt to get Alan Browne's suspension reduced after his red card at Middlesbrough

The Lilywhites skipper was sent-off in the 36th minute at the Riverside Stadium for kicking out at Sam Morsy after the Boro midfielder had twice caught Browne about the head with his arm.

North End have not appealed the red card itself but have appealed for the punishment to be reduced from the standard three-match suspension

Alex Neil discussed the appeal during his press conference on Thursday morning to look ahead to the Championship clash with Luton Town at Deepdale on Saturday.

Speaking via Zoom from the Euxton training ground, PNE boss Neil said: "I don't think it is worthy of three matches.

"If Alan was the aggressor then naturally you would expect three games.

"We wouldn't appeal something unless we had grounds to do so. We have appealed the severity of the ban rather than the ban itself.

"It is clear that Alan does sort of fling his leg out, however for their lad to this point to go unpunished and for Alan to then serve three games is completely unjustified."

Browne will certainly miss the Luton game and if the appeal isn't successful, the Republic of Ireland international will also sit out the Easter games against Norwich and Swansea.

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