CHERRIES have lodged an appeal to the FA for Jefferson Lerma's red card against Luton Town to be rescinded.

The midfielder was sent off after his arm collided with the face of Tom Lockyer during Saturday's game at Vitality Stadium.

As the pair battled for a header, Lerma appeared to be knocked off balance whilst in mid-air by Luton's Luke Berry, with the Colombian then striking Lockyer as he came towards the ground.

The Hatters defender was left bloodied and forced off after the challenge.

But the Daily Echo understands Cherries will appeal the decision, with the appeal set to be heard by the FA's disciplinary panel on Monday.

Luton went on to win the match 1-0, leaving Cherries four points behind second-placed Swansea City.

The hope is Lerma will avoid a three-match ban and instead be free to face Derby County on Tuesday night.

Lerma already has an FA charge hanging over him for an alleged biting incident against Sheffield Wednesday back in November.

The 26-year-old strenuously denies those claims with Cherries appealing against that charge. They are currently awaiting a response from the FA.