By Chris O'Brien
November 16 2004

The Bluebirds have decided against launching an appeal to try and have Graham Kavanagh's three-match ban revoked. The Irishman will miss Football League games against Preston North End, QPR and Gillingham and will be replaced in the line-up by Lee Bullock.

After studying video evidence, Cardiff City will not be appealing against the red card shown to skipper Graham Kavanagh. The Irishman insists his stamp on Reading's Steve Sidwell had no malicious attempt, but looking at replays it is clear any sort of appeal would be a waste of time and further strain our dyer financial state.

Referee Eddie Evans dismissed Kavanagh in the early stages of the second-half at the Madjeski Stadium, leaving City with a mountain to climb as they trailed the Berkshire outfit 2-0. Cameron Jerome got a goal back as 10-men Bluebirds battled on, but with a man down the task was too great.

Former Stoke City midfielder Kavanagh will be suspended for City's next three Football League Championship outings. He will miss the games against Preston North End, Queens Park Rangers and Gillingham as Cardiff struggle at the wrong end of the Championship table.

Kavanagh's suspension will see Lee Bullock thrown into the midfield alongside Willie Boland. Bullock has not enjoyed much first-team football this term, but he is a player who adds an attacking dimension to the team and will hope to seize this upcoming opportunity with both hands.