Royals to contest Pearce sending off

Nigel Adkins is standing firm with his claims and is appealing against Alex Pearce’s red card against Sheffield Wednesday.

The Royals boss made his frustration known after the game about the decision by referee Keith Hill to send off the central defender, being adjudged to have fouled Benik Afobe in the area. The Owls went onto win the match 2-0, playing 80 minutes with an extra man.

On replay, Afobe did appear to be very theatrical about the challenge, despite having some of his shirt pulled by Pearce. However, for the FA to overturn the decision made by the referee, it would have to be deemed an ‘obvious’ error Hill.

As it stands, Pearce is set to miss Sunday’s game against QPR, meaning either Michael Hector will make his first start for Reading, or Chris Gunter will slot in there like he did against Wednesday, with Stephen Kelly likely to play right-back.