ALEX Bruce has protested his innocence and will today appeal against his sending off in Ipswich Town's 2-1 win against Derby County on Saturday.The Blues defender is also hoping keeper Stephen Bywater's red card is rescinded after the two clashed twice.

By Derek Davis

ALEX Bruce has protested his innocence and will today appeal against his sending off in Ipswich Town's 2-1 win against Derby County on Saturday.

The Blues defender is also hoping keeper Stephen Bywater's red card is rescinded after the two clashed twice.

If Bruce fails in his appeal then he will miss the rest of the season with a three-match ban, his third suspension of the campaign. Bruce said: “It is very disappointing to be sent off, especially when you know it isn't merited.

“The referee has promised to look at the video and, if he does, he will see that I did nothing wrong.

“To be honest, I thought it was harsh against both of us. All I know is that I challenged for a corner and made no contact with the keeper.

“I've turned around, he's hurled abuse at me and put his head against mine. That's all that happened. There were no punches thrown, no head-butts really, and I've just stood there and taken what he had to throw at me.”

Bywater was interviewed by officers from Suffolk and Derbyshire police after the game in the presence of his manager Billy Davies.

A Suffolk Police spokesman last night said: “Investigations are continuing. No arrests have been made at this stage.”