Rams appeal against keeper sending off

Last updated : 16 April 2007 By Rams Mad Editor

Stephen Bywater
Stephen Bywater appeals against his sending off
Derby County are to appeal against the sending off of Goalkeeper Stephen Bywater. The Rams will be supplying video and written evidence to the FA in a attempt to stop an automatic three match ban, that will see Bywater's season end unless the Rams end up in the Play-offs.

The incident involved the Rams keeper and Ipswich defender Alex Bruce, son of Birmingham City Boss Steve Bruce. Bywater is unlikely to be given a reprieve following a further incident between the two men that ended in stewards and players trying to part the two.

Alex Bruce
Alax Bruce "Dad asked us to do him a favour"
Reports in a national newspaper this morning have quoted Alex Bruce as saying "Dad asked if we would do him a favour, now its up to them to take advantage". This message can be taken two ways given that Ipswich beat the Rams in controversial circumstances but the Rams now face being without first choice keeper Bywater for three matches.

The Rams are already without central defender Darren Moore for the last three games and rumours that Steve Bruce alerted the FA to the incident which saw Moore banned leaves a nasty taste in the mouth, especially after Saturday's incident with the Bruce family involved.

Derby County are this week looking forward to better luck and all Rams fans will be willing on East Midlands rivals Leicester City in tomorrow nights game against Birmingham City. This is the game in hand the Brummies have over the Rams and a win or a draw for the Birmingham side will see the Rams slide out of the automatic promotion places .