ANDONI Iraola still believes Philip Billing was harshly treated when he was sent off against Nottingham Forest, describing the red card as a “shame” for the Dane as he pushed for more game-time.

Having been brought on as a substitute on 56 minutes against Nuno Espirito Santo’s Tricky Trees, Billing did not see out the contest.

The 27-year-old was shown a straight red card on 84 minutes for a cynical foul on Callum Hudson-Odoi, forcing him off injured.

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Speaking after the 1-1 draw at Vitality Stadium, Iraola felt the red card was harsh, and was hinting at potentially appealing against the decision.

In the end, Cherries accepted the punishment and Billing is now serving a three-match ban. He missed the loss at Fulham on Saturday and will not feature against Newcastle United or Manchester City.

“We reviewed the play,” Iraola told the Daily Echo.

“The report the Premier League gives us, I think some of the referees on the panel were saying it was red and the other ones said no, it was not clear.

“But there is a threat (of an extension to the ban), and that is the reason we decided not to appeal, because it is true that when you go in slow motion, you can see the studs and it looks worse.

“I continue thinking that it’s not enough for a red card. It would be one of these blue cards!

“It was cynical, so I think it was a typical blue card they will show.”

Billing will now have to wait until the FA Cup clash with Leicester City on February 27 before he can play again.

He had recently fallen out of the starting XI anyway, named on the bench in nine of the last 10 Premier League matches he has been available for, having been a regular starter earlier in the campaign.

“Now it is a shame, because we lose him for three games,” said Iraola.

“I think the punishment is really hard for this foul.

“In the past week (before Nottingham Forest) he was training better.

“He was (one of) the first changes the other day. I think he was willing to help and to win more minutes.

“But now it is a setback, because you lose three games, almost three weeks. It is a shame, especially for him.”