PNE were reduced to 10 men in their 4-0 defeat at Middlesbrough

Preston North End will appeal the straight red card shown to Jordan Storey on Saturday, the Lancashire Post understands.

The Lilywhites were on the end of a 4-0 drubbing against promotion chasing Middlesbrough, at the Riverside. Just five minutes into the second half, with Boro three goals to the good, Storey was shown the first red card of his career.

The number 14 had his pocket picked in a poor position by Middlesbrough striker Tommy Conway - scorer of two goals on the day. Conway nicked the ball and went to race through but ended up on the deck.

Referee Andy Madley took his time over blowing the whistle but eventually, gave Storey his marching orders. While dispossessed, replays showed Storey being knocked over before Conway lost his footing when racing through.

A denial of a goal scoring opportunity hinges on the distance between the offence and goal, general direction of play, likelihood of keeping or gaining control of the ball and location, and number, of defenders.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom did not comment on the red card post-match - the Preston boss said he hadn’t seen it back. Defender Lewis Gibson felt the call could’ve been harsh on his North End team mate.

Speaking to the Lancashire Post, he said: “I mean, when I first saw it, I didn’t think it was a red. But I haven't seen it again, so I'm not sure. But yeah, I thought more of a coming together rather than a foul, but I'm not sure.”

If the decision is upheld Storey - who has started every league game this season - will miss the upcoming away match at third placed Ipswich Town. Heckingbottom is already without first choice goalkeeper Daniel Iversen and key defender Andrew Hughes.

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