Wagner ponders appeal over Danny Ward red card

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Huddersfield boss David Wagner

Huddersfield boss David Wagner will look at the match video before deciding whether to appeal against goalkeeper Danny Ward’s red card in loss to Cardiff.

The Wales international was sent off for supposed handball outside the box 20 minutes into the contest, and will miss the first leg of the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-finals against Sheffield Wednesday at the John Smith’s Stadium next weekend unless Wagner launches a successful appeal.

Ward, on loan from Liverpool, was adjudged to have handled the ball as he slid in to challenge Junior Hoilett, but Wagner said: “I haven’t seen the video again but Danny says he touched the ball with his shoulder, not his arms or his hand.

“If we can clearly see the referee made the wrong decision, then we will appeal.”

Wagner, who has been asked by the EFL to explain his team selection after making 10 changes for last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Birmingham, made nine changes for this game, bringing back most of his first-choice players.

“What happened with Danny Ward is why it was good to bring in some fresh players for the Birmingham game,” he said.

“Joel Coleman played in goal against Birmingham and has had more minutes to work on his body shape and fitness.”

Kenneth Zohore scored Cardiff’s first goal after seven minutes and then set up two for Joe Bennett, meaning the Terriers go into the play-offs on the back of successive defeats.

Wagner said his players lacked concentration and focus but were anxious to get on with the play-offs.

“We were not switched onto the game and, even for me, it’s not been easy to finish one competition and get ready for another,” he said.

“Now the competition that counts is in front of us.

“It’s been a fantastic achievement but we will not go into the play-offs as favourites.

“We like the underdog role. Huddersfield Town are still in the race but we are humble as always.”