Mick to appeal Caldwell sending-off

Mick McCarthy said tonight he will appeal against Steve Caldwell's red card during the game against West Ham - but already knows his efforts could be in vain.

Referee Graham Salisbury sent Caldwell off after an incident with Luke Chadwick only minutes before half time, but McCarthy said he'll appeal.

The Hammers' Sergei Rebrov had launched a two-footed lunge at Stephen Wright and Chadwick subsequently had the ball at his feet, with Caldwell trying to gain possession for Sunderland to take a free kick.

Mick said, "Chadwick had already been booked, and as far as I am concerned when a player stops somebody from taking a free-kick it is a bookable offence. They should have sent him off.

"I've seen what Caldwell did and I don't think he stamped on him. Steve is not like that and he insists it was not a sending off. I will appeal but I don't think it will do any good."

McCarthy also revealed that referee Salisbury had been into the Hammers' dressing room prior to kick-off to get a book signed by Teddy Sheringham.

"What I didn't like was the referee going into West Ham's dressing room to get a book signed by Teddy Sheringham. I'm not saying it had any bearing on his decisions, but I think that is beneath contempt.

"I wouldn't want anybody coming into our dressing room before the game. Not too many referees ask me for my autograph - certainly none of the fourth officials."
"