The Houston Dynamo have requested an appeal of the red card issued to midfielder Tomás Martínez for serious foul play in the 59th minute of Wednesday’s match against the Philadelphia Union (VIDEO).

The Dynamo went down a man in their match against the Union after Martínez was sent off following a Video Review. After initially whistling for a goal kick after Martínez attempted to put a shot on target, the referee reviewed footage on the pitchside monitor and determined Martínez had committed serious foul play that endangered the safety of the opponent.

The appeal has been supported by the Major League Soccer Players Association.

An independent three-member panel comprised of one member of US Soccer, one member of the Canadian Soccer Association, and one independent representative nominated by the Professional Referee Organization will oversee the review of any player appeal.

If the appeal is upheld, the red card punishment will be rescinded, the Houston Dynamo will retain their two appeals for the 2018 season, and Martínez will be eligible to Saturday’s match against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park at 10:00 p.m. CDT. If the appeal is rejected, Martínez will serve a one-match suspension on Saturday against the Timbers.