Stoke defender Jonathan Woodgate is confident referee Martin Atkinson will admit his mistake in sending off Robert Huth should the club appeal.

Atkinson showed Huth a red card just before half-time for his sliding challenge on Sunderland midfielder David Meyler despite the centre-back appearing to make little contact after trying to pull out of the tackle in snowy conditions at the Britannia Stadium.

A furious Potters manager Tony Pulis said after the game he would appeal and Woodgate believes they have a fair chance of being successful.

"I never thought it was a sending off in a million years to be honest with you, and having spoken to Huthy in the dressing room, neither did he," he told Stoke's official website.

"He was in full control of his body when he went in for the tackle; there was no malice there whatsoever, and in fact, I actually think he pulled his feet away from the ball to make sure he didn't touch the lad.

"But I am sure that if we make an appeal, then the referee will admit that he got that certain decision wrong - though that won't help change the result."