Football Williams and Dickie ruled out for second leg of play-off final, City boss confirms

IAM Manning has confirmed that Bristol City have been unsuccessful in their appeal of Rob Dickie’s red card, with the defender set to miss the Robins’ play-off semi-final second leg clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

- Daniel CARTER

The Reds travel to the Steel City this evening, where they will face the difficult challenge of overturning a three-goal deficit, having suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Chris Wilder's side in the first leg at Ashton Gate on Thursday.

Goals from Harrison Burrows, Andre Brooks and Callum O’Hare ensured that the Blades took control of the tie, with Manning's side now needing to win by a three-goal margin to even force extra time at Bramall Lane.

Dickie started alongside Zak Vyner at the heart of the Robins’ defence on Thursday evening, but was shown a straight red card for what referee Oliver Langford adjudged to be a cynical foul on Kieffer Moore in the City penalty area.

Manning labelled the decision a “major error” in his post-match press conference and as a result, the Reds submitted an appeal to attempt to get the centre-back’s suspension lifted.