JOELIKAN

The Manchester United star was charged on Monday after the incident was missed by the officials in the goalless draw and is facing a three-match suspension.

But, Schweinsteiger, who has until noon on Thursday to respond to the charge, will appeal against the decision in the hope that a disciplinary panel see the incident differently.

The 31-year-old appeared to used his forearm to fend off the West Ham defender – with the duo jostling for a corner just before half-time.

Both Reid and West Ham boss Slaven Bilic thought it was a sending off offence, but Bilic said the referee could be excused because it was difficult to spot in the melee.
“It was a red card. He knows what he’s done – he’s elbowed me in the face. The referee couldn’t see it, so we move on,” said Reid.

“It was a moment of madness and he deserved to be sent off, but it’s impossible for the ref to see everything,” added Bilic. “No matter how many referees you have, sometimes they can’t see.

“I’m sure if he did see it, it would have been a straight red. Of course we are disappointed but it happens. He just didn’t see it.

“I saw it on the replays at half-time. It was a red, a big-time red. I understand the decision but it was a crucial moment. I can’t blame the referee.”