Nigel Pearson says he will wait for the referee's report before deciding whether to appeal against Jermaine Beckford's red card against Brighton on Saturday.

The City striker was sent off at the start of the second half of the 1-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium.

No-one has officially confirmed why referee Andy Woolmer showed Beckford a straight red card following an incident with Brighton defender Lewis Dunk.

Pearson said, having reviewed video evidence, he was clear exactly what went on and will see what is reported by Woolmer before talking any action.

The City manager will be keen to get a possible three-game ban revoked, especially as substitute Nathan Delfouneso limped off with what looked a nasty ankle injury as City finished the game with eight men.

"I think the best thing for me to do is keep my mouth shut," said Pearson.

"We are very clear in terms of what happened. I think the onus is now on the officials to submit their version and we will take it from there.

"We have heard what it is but I will wait to see whether the report confirms that. I think that is the most diplomatic way I can put it. It will be interesting to see if there is a conflict.

"I have actually seen the incident clearly with (Brighton manager) Gus (Poyet) and their analyst, and seen a very clear picture of what happened."

Poyet said: "I didn't see it. I saw it afterwards and it didn't look that bad. It doesn't look aggressive.

"I know Jermaine well. He is a terrific lad and an excellent football player. I have looked at the video and there isn't a lot there."

Pearson said Will Buckley's late winner, when City were down to nine men, was cruel on his players, and he was delighted with their overall application.

"I thought the players deserved more," he said. "They still created chances after going behind during the six minutes of added-time. We had opportunities and I am proud of the players in the way they applied themselves.

"It is a difficult one to take because we played very well, dealt with their threats for the most part in a disciplined way and, unfortunately for us, we came unstuck late on. That is a bitter pill to swallow.

"When you go behind you have to try to get something out of it and, with Nathan going off, we were short on the pitch.

"It is a disappointment to suffer two sendings-off and an injury which reduced us to eight men. But what I am pleased about is the desire and the application of the players."

As well as Delfouneso, City will also check on an injury to left-back Paul Konchesky after he limped off.