Blues to appeal Michel sending off

Birmingham are to appeal against midfielder Michel's red card for the reserves amid fears he may have to serve a three-game ban in the Barclays Premier League.

The former Sporting Gijon player was sent off playing for the second string against Chelsea at St Andrew's on Wednesday.

The Spaniard was given his marching orders by referee Marvyn Amphlett in the closing stages of the match for what Blues believe was an innocuous looking challenge on Danny Mills. If the dismissal was to be upheld, then under Football Association non-first team disciplinary regulations, Michel would be suspended for City's Premier League games with Aston Villa, Burnley and Bolton.

Birmingham have confirmed they will contest the sending off by submitting evidence to the FA by April 12 on the grounds of it being a wrongful dismissal.

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