Preston North End will not appeal Ben Pearson's red card

Pearson was sent off after the final whistle of the clash for headbutting Wanderers midfielder Joe Williams.

North End considered launching an appeal against the dismissal on the grounds that a picture of the incident may have suggested provocative action by Williams, who is on loan from Everton.

It is understood that there was contact with the FA over the matter but Pearson’s red card did not go in front of an appeal’s panel.

When clubs appeal, they run the risk of an extra game being added to the ban if it is considered frivolous.

Hence they do tend to test the water informally before an appeal is launched.

For a time there was some optimism that an appeal could succeed, or at least Pearson’s suspension might be reduced.

However, the three-match ban stands, Pearson to miss the games against Reading, Leeds and Sheffield United.

The next game which the midfielder will be available for is the League Cup clash with Middlesbrough later in the month.

While Pearson, 23, is no stranger to falling foul of 
referees, the weekend’s 
dismissal was out of character somewhat.

It was his first straight red card, the one at Leeds a year ago being for two yellows.

But his disciplinary record must improve, last season’s 14 bookings following the 16 he got the campaign before.

This term Pearson has been booked three times, two of those for dissent.

Against Bolton he had avoided trouble and got through the game without a yellow card.

But events after the final whistle lit his fuse. Pearson is the third North End midfielder to have landed in trouble this season.

Paul Gallagher was given a retrospective three-game ban for an elbow on Joe Allen in last month’s 2-2 draw with Stoke City.

Last week, Ryan Ledson saw red for a wild tackle in the League Cup win over Leeds.

The summer signing from Oxford has another two games of his ban to serve.

Alex Neil does have options for the midfield in Gallagher, Alan Browne, Josh Harrop and Daniel Johnson.

They are different types to Pearson and Ledson though.

Meanwhile, the cup clash with Middlesbrough has been confirmed for September 25, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Tickets are priced £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, while Under-11s go free when accompanied by an Over-18.

They went on sale today with season ticket holders’ seats reserved until the close of business on Friday, September 21.