THE Dons this afternoon confirmed they will appeal against the red card shown to winger Johnny Hayes in their 2-1 victory over Celtic at Pittodrie.

Referee Craig Thomson sent Hayes off in the 72nd minute for a tackle on Celtic’s Mikael Lustig.

The Dons believe Hayes made a fair attempt to win the ball and hope the SFA will agree to overturn the decision.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is hoping Thomson will offer a helping hand by admitting he got it wrong after watching footage of the tackle.

McInnes said: “I thought it was a very harsh red card.

“I accept the speed of the tackle will have played a big part in the referee’s decision.

“But it’s not a two footed challenge and he (Hayes) has actually won the ball with his left foot.

“From where we were it looked as if he (Thomson) was too quick to flash the red.

“I think if he sees it again he might see it the way I see it.”

Lodging the appeal means Hayes is cleared to play in Tuesday night’s home Premiership clash with Hamilton.