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London - Sunderland have launched an appeal against midfielder Stephane Sessegnon's sending off in his side's 6-1 loss at Aston Villa, the English Football Association announced on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old Benin international was shown a straight red card after catching Villa midfielder Yacoub Sylla with a late challenge during the second half of the Premier League game at Villa Park on Monday.
He will have his case heard by an independent regulatory commission on Wednesday.
Speaking after the game, Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio criticised referee Lee Probert's decision to send Sessegnon off.
"There was nothing in it," Di Canio said. "The leg was not straight. He didn't want to cause any damage to his opponent. The referee fell in a trap. It wasn't a nasty action."
Sunderland's defeat left them level on 37 points with Villa and Newcastle United, five points above the relegation zone with three matches to play this season.
