Williams plots appeal after Darling red card

Luke Williams suggested Swansea City will appeal against the red card shown to Harry Darling in Tuesday's 2-1 Championship defeat to Sheffield United.

Darling is facing a three-match suspension after being sent off for a challenge on Blades forward Rhian Brewster.

But Williams felt referee Dean Whitestone was wrong to dismiss his centre-back.

"I think we appeal for sure - but I have seen clear mistakes not be rescinded, so I don't hold out much hope for that," the Swansea head coach said.

"I think the best thing to do is to watch it again several times and get the best angles, but it seems strange.

"It's not deliberate, it doesn't seem to be reckless with both feet off the ground so there's no way of anchoring yourself or slowing yourself down.

"[He is] trying to play the ball and the ball is shifted in the last minute. It's maybe a yellow card I think."

Unless Swansea are successful in an appeal, Darling – who has been one of Williams' top performers this season – will miss trips to Norwich City and Bristol City and a home game against Coventry City.

That would be a heavy blow given the shortage of options within Williams' squad.

Swansea have been looking to sign a central defender this month, with Wycombe's Joe Low among their targets, but have not yet got close to completing a deal.

Williams' side have taken only one point from their past four league games after the United defeat, though they delivered a much-improved performance against the Blades.

Swansea went in front after just seven minutes through Florian Bianchini's header only for Rhian Brewster to equalise early in the second period.

Darling saw red three minutes later and, despite a spirited Swansea performance, United took the points thanks to a Harrison Burrows penalty.