ANGRY Gareth Taylor is to appeal against his first ever red card in Burnley colours. And he said: "Paul Smith is going to support me."

Taylor, scorer of Burnley's first goal, explained: "Barry Ashby came through the back of me, I was upset by the challenge and then Paul Smith got involved.

"But nothing happened, it really was nothing and all I was doing was showing some passion for the game. If that is wrong, then something is not right with the game. Paul told the ref straight away it was nothing but I had a feeling he was going to do something.

"He was not speaking to me as he booked the other two and the way the game went I was not surprised it was red.

"I'm not sure why Paul was involved but we just went face to face. At least he is going to support my appeal and it is very important because I am now facing a three-match ban."

Smith confirmed that he will be backing Taylor's appeal as he said: "You never like to see players sent off and I told the ref he shouldn't go. I will do anything I can to help him. Referees have a hard job but I think he got it wrong."

Smith also felt that Dean West was a little unlucky to be dismissed as well, the ball hitting his hand from very close range and Clarets boss Stan Ternent is also ready to appeal that decision.

Referee Grant Hegley confirmed: "I will review the video evidence."