Wigan boss Chris Hutchings is to ask referees' chief Keith Hackett to overturn Kevin Kilbane's recent red card.

The Wigan midfielder collected two bookings against Newcastle last Saturday and therefore saw red almost immediately after half-time.

However, the Irishman's second booking, following an aerial collision with Newcastle's Alan Smith, looked harsh.

Referee Steve Bennett adjudged that Kilbane - who now faces a suspension - had elbowed the Newcastle man, but the clash looked accidental.

There is no right of appeal because the dismissal came as a result of two bookings, but Hutchings says he will ask Hackett to overturn the decision.

"I'll speak to Keith Hackett," Hutchings told The Sun.

"It was a bad decision but there is no right of appeal as the sending off was for two bookings. It's up to the referee."