PHIL Parkinson has backed referee Jeremy Simpson’s decision to send off Aston Villa’s Neil Taylor in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat – but said Steve Bruce’s side should already have been down to 10 men.

The Wanderers boss described the Wales international’s challenge on Adam Le Fondre as “dangerous” but added that an earlier foul, by Glenn Whelan on Jem Karacan, was also worthy of a red.

Bolton midfielder Karacan was brought off with 20 minutes to go feeling the after-effects of the first-half clattering.

Taylor’s dismissal came too late to influence the result but Parkinson couldn’t help feeling what might have been.

“I’ve discussed it with the officials – Whelan’s was a reckless challenge, putting it mildly. Jem has got stud marks all the way down his thigh. I think Whelan was lucky to stay on the pitch,” he said.

“The second one, he was out of control, even though it was last minute it was a dangerous challenge. But I thought the first one was one which could have affected the game more.”

Steve Bruce immediately announced his intention to appeal the red card handed out by the Lancashire official.

“After what I’ve just seen, yes (we will appeal),” said the Villa boss. “It was a difficult afternoon for the referee on a quick pitch and some of the physical challenges were shuddering.

“I’ve just looked at it again and there has been a lot of challenges similar to that if I’m being honest.

“It was a foul and probably a yellow card but in my opinion it’s not red because he’s not shown his studs.

“He’s tried to kick the ball so in that respect the referee has got it wrong. It’s been a tough afternoon for him.

“Plenty of challenges went awry and the game was littered with fouls like that so I hope he thinks ‘let’s have a look and rescind it’ - it would be a yellow rather than a straight red.”