Bolton appeal against Gary Cahill dismissal

The challenge on Scott Parker that saw Bolton's Gary Cahill, left, sent off on Saturday (AFP)

Bolton have appealed against the red card shown to defender Gary Cahill in the Barclays Premier League defeat to Tottenham on Saturday, the Reebok Stadium club have confirmed.

Cahill was dismissed by referee Stuart Attwell after just 17 minutes of the game at White Hart Lane for a challenge on Scott Parker.

The Trotters had already gone a goal down when Gareth Bale scored and further strikes from Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon left them second bottom in the table.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle was furious with Attwell over the red card and marched across the turf at White Hart Lane to confront the official at half-time.

After the game the Scot said: "To say I am angry about it is a bit of an understatement.

"I am totally bemused by the decision. Maybe it was a free-kick or a yellow card, but not a red.

"If you understand the terminology it has to be a clear goalscoring opportunity. Now Scott Parker is a fantastic player but he took a touch with his left foot, went out to the wing, 50 yards from goal. We had Zat Knight in the middle and other defenders coming back.

"So there was nothing clear on a goalscoring opportunity. I think everyone in the stadium was baffled it was given."

Bolton have until 1pm tomorrow to submit all their evidence to the Football Association in support of their case that Cahill did not prevent a clear goalscoring opportunity or that the punishment he received was excessive.

The onus is on the club to prove their argument to a panel who are tasked with assessing the validity of the appeal.

If their deliberations are straightforward a decision on whether the red card is rescinded could be made as early as tomorrow.

PA