Mike Williamson says Carlisle United are likely to appeal the red card shown to Ethan Robson in their FA Cup defeat to Wigan Athletic.

The Blues head coach described it as a “terrible decision” by referee Martin Woods to dismiss the midfielder in the 14th minute of the first round tie.

Robson was shown a straight red for a challenge on Latics man Steven Sessegnon at Brunton Park.

The decision infuriated the Blues and Williamson said Carlisle will try to overturn it.

“From where I sit now, unless I see anything different [when we look at it further], we want to appeal,” he told the News & Star.

“I was right in front of it. We seem to be on the wrong end of a lot of decisions at the minute, and a lot of unfortunate incidents.

“It didn't look anything to me. The ref said he thought he caught him just below the knee, but there was no contact.

Robson was dismissed for this challenge on SessegnonRobson was dismissed for this challenge on Sessegnon (Image: Ben Holmes)

“But all we can do is respond and the boys did that.”

The red card came in Robson’s second start for the Blues and left Carlisle to face their League One visitors with ten men for the rest of the tie, which went to extra-time before Wigan scored twice to win 2-0.

It was only the second sending-off of the 28-year-old’s career.

United went on to produce a spirited and defiant performance before the Latics finally broke their resistance in extra-time with goals from Scott Smith and Jonny Smith.

“The lads had to play with bravery,” added Williamson.

“It’s already tough enough [with 11 men] playing against a very ball-dominant team, a team that move you around and have got a lot of patterns and strategies to try and get in behind.

“So the lads were brilliant and left everything out there, and can come back in satisfied with their performance. But we know that we've got still work to do.”

Williamson, meanwhile, said midfielder Harrison Biggins missed the game with a calf injury, although not one that is expected to rule him out for long.

The United boss added that a deal has been agreed to sign trialist Kadeem Harris, with only international clearance being awaited before the move is complete.