Derby County boss Gary Rowett has hit out the FA over rules which prevent Tom Huddlestone’s red card being overturned.

The Rams midfielder was sent off towards the end of the fiery East Midlands derby yesterday for a second bookable offence.

It appeared a harsh decision with the former Spurs man making minimal contact with Lee Tomlin. However, the ref deemed it a second yellow and Huddlestone will now miss next weekend’s game against Cardiff – much to Rowett’s dismay.

Unfortunately for us not only do we lose the opportunity to try to win the game in the last 15 minutes, but it's a double whammy because we now lose him and we can't appeal it. For that, I think the system is a disgrace,” he told the BBC.

The ex-Birmingham boss continued to question why such decisions aren’t allowed to be appealed.

I do not understand why [we can't appeal] if there's been a blatantly obvious mistake, which the referee can make, I understand that. For me that should be overturned and I think we have to change that somehow.”

The Verdict

This is a very fair comment from Rowett as it is a strange rule. It’s not asking too much for the same panel that review red cards to check second yellows.

As the manager says, they will now have to be without a key midfielder for a massive game next week and it’s not really fair.

Referees can always make mistakes but the chance to appeal should be allowed and it’s something the majority of clubs would surely also agree with.

Thoughts, Derby fans? Let us know in the comments below.