Allardyce anger at Carroll red card

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce hopes the "injustice" of Andy Carroll's red card against Swansea is overturned.

Carroll was harshly sent off after a clash with centre-back Chico Flores during a 2-0 win for the Hammers.

"The cruellest and biggest blow that will be paid to me and West Ham is if there is the injustice when we appeal against the red card," said Allardyce.

"There has to be somebody to look at that in the cold light of day and say that is certainly not a red card."

West Ham were already two goals up when the incident occurred.

Carroll and Flores went up for an aerial challenge and the latter went to ground after being caught by the former's trailing arm as the pair untangled themselves.

Flores fell clutching his face, although replays showed any contact from the Hammers forward looked accidental.

Carroll, who has only recently returned from a lengthy injury absence, had earlier set up Kevin Nolan to score both of West Ham's goals.

"The last thing we want is to lose Andy Carroll for three games for a nothing incident," said Allardyce.

"We hope when the appeal goes in they see it the same way.

"It's a shame we cannot get through a game without somebody getting injured or sent off.

Asked about the actions of Flores, Allardyce said: "It is for [Swansea manager] Michael [Laudrup] to deal with. It is his player.

"He's got the responsibility to handle his players and do what he feels is necessary."

Laudrup echoed Allardyce's belief that Carroll was harshly dismissed by referee Howard Webb.

"I think the decision was a bit harsh," said the Swans boss. "There was contact, but contact like you have a lot of times."

-BBC