SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is to appeal the red card Ben Coker received during Saturday’s 1-0 win against Luton Town.

The left-back was harshly dismissed midway through the second half for a foul on Hatters substitute Shaun Whalley.

But Brown is now bidding to get the decision overturned.

“Sometimes when you look back at a red card and whether or not you’re going to appeal you have to watch it a few times but I only needed to watch this incident once,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“It’s exceptional harsh but I think it was the linesman on that side who actually made the decision and pushed the referee into a corner.

“At the end of the game we were told the red card was given because Ben had denied Luton a clear goalscoring opportunity but I don’t agree with that at all.

“If you look back at it, their player goes down five or six yards outside the penalty area and Cian Bolger is right next to him too.

“Cian is even on the ball by the time the referee blows his whistle so Ben can’t be the last man.

“Ryan Leonard is also the quickest player we have at the football club and he could probably have got round too so we’re hoping the appeal will be successful.”

Blues have until 1pm today to submit the appeal as they bid to get Coker’s one match ban quashed.

But Brown is not entirely sure when he will know if Coker will be available for this weekend’s crucial clash at Morecambe.

“We have until 1pm to submit the appeal which we will and hopefully we should hear something tomorrow,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“We’re not entirely sure when we will find out but hopefully it will be soon because we obviously have to start working with the back four for the Morecambe match which is the biggest of the season.”

Luke Prosser filled in at left-back after Coker’s dismissal at the weekend but Jerome Binnom-Williams is now back in contention after recovering from illness.

And club captain John White could also be an option if he recovers from a hip problem.

“Luke did well there when he came on but it’s not his natural position and we could have a few other options there now,” said Brown.

“Jerome’s illness is now behind him but John can play there too.

“He’s touch and go to train this week after the hip injury he picked up against Newport County.

“But hopefully Ben will be available, especially as he’s just been voted the best left-back in the league by his fellow professionals.”