Sebastian Larsson was stunned by his dismissal

Sunderland are to appeal the red card shown to Sebastian Larsson during Sunday's defeat to Manchester United, according to Sky sources.

Larsson was shown a straight red by referee Craig Pawson for a first-half challenge on Ander Herrera.

United were leading 1-0 at the time and went on to cruise to a 3-0 victory over the Black Cats, who remain bottom of the table.

Former ref Dermot Gallagher told Sky Sports News HQ on Monday morning that he thought the decision was a little harsh but he conceded that others might view the incident differently.

2:52 Sunderland 0-3 Manchester Utd Sunderland 0-3 Manchester Utd

"I'm not convinced," he said. "I don't think Larsson has got the speed or intensity and he hasn't gone flying through the air, so for me it's a yellow card.

"What I will say is this has really split people, and if you showed it to 18 referees then nine would go red and nine would go yellow."

And Sunderland manager David Moyes felt the tackle did not even merit a yellow card.

He said after the match: "He gets the ball, he touches the ball. There's no contact at all, so it's not even a booking.

Larsson was sent off by referee Craig Pawson for a challenge on Ander Herrera

"What I don't want to do is in any way blame the referees because our position is where we are, we are bottom of the league. So let me make that clear first of all, it's nothing to do with referees.

"But I didn't think it was a good decision."