Ipswich Town have confirmed that they won’t be lodging an appeal against Jonathan Douglas’ dismissal at Birmingham on Saturday.

The 34-year-old, who was shown a straight red card in first-half injury time for a lunging challenge on winger Will Buckley now faces a three-match ban.

Luke Hyam looks set to replace him in midfield when Reading visit Portman Road a week tomorrow. Douglas will also miss the away games at QPR and Bristol City.

Speaking after Saturday’s game, McCarthy said: “I think the tackle looked worse than it was – I don’t think it’s a sending off.

“He (referee Michael Bull) said he (Douglas) jumped in with two feet. He didn’t. I know he went in with his foot high, but he almost pulled out of it. I don’t think he made any contact. It looked worse than it was. I think it was harsh.

“Will Buckley had a tackle on our left-back in the first half. I don’t want him sent-off, but I don’t see the justice in the two of them (not being treated the same). Then Ryan Fraser gets kicked in the head on the edge of the box towards the end. It’s not a penalty, but wow it’s a free-kick.”