‘I’d be surprised if it isn’t overturned’ – Millwall boss expects Sturge boost and ‘one or two’ back for Ipswich.

ALEX Neil believes Zak Sturge’s red card will be overturned, and the left-back will be available for Millwall’s trip to Ipswich Town this Saturday.

Sturge, 24, was controversially sent off just before the hour mark against Blackburn Rovers for pulling down Yuki Ohashi while he was coming down on goal, despite Jake Cooper’s coverage. Blackburn recovered from a one-goal deficit to win 2-1.

Millwall appealed the red card on Monday, and a decision is likely before the Lions go to Portman Road.

“We wouldn’t put the case forward unless we felt we’ve got a genuine and great opportunity of that getting overturned,” Neil informed the court. “I’ll be astonished if it doesn’t.

But, listen, it’s football, you understand? I’ve been doing this long enough that nothing surprises me anymore.

“But I believe that, based on our case and the rules. I spoke with the referee after the game.He told me that the linesman had no bearing on the red card.

So they chatted with him, but he merely discussed the date of the contact.There have been photographs released since then that show the referee having no clear perspective of the situation.

They’ve placed a player between the referee and the player. “I still believe that it is too distant from the goal. I still think his touch is going the wrong way.

We have two recovering defenders. There is a lot of explanation for why we gave it such a strong red card, and I fully expect it to be overturned.”

Millwall were without Ryan Leonard, Casper De Norre, Caleb Taylor, and Alfie Doughty last weekend, but all are expected to return within four weeks, Neil revealed during a Fans Forum on March 13. Neil was asked if anyone was in contention to make the team on Saturday.

“We should have one or two.”

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