Brentford are considering appealing Jake Bidwell's red card against Watford, despite video replays proving inconclusive.

The Bees defender was sent off just before half time of last night's 2-1 defeat following an ill-timed lunge at Miguel Layun after he lost the ball.

Bees boss Mark Warburton was furious at referee Keith Stroud, who also sent off two Brentford players in a game at Sheffield United two years ago.

He said: “To give a huge decision instantly like that in such a big fixture, in a game of such importance, I can't find the words – appalling perhaps.

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“You can't tell from the replays, but we will go through the correct channels. If you give a red for something like that you expect a flurry of yellows, but it didn't happen.

Jake is devastated, there was no malice. He was the first to say it was a bad touch, but he cant see where he has touched their player.”

Bidwell could face a three-game ban if his offence is deemed 'serious foul play', but even if he is let off with just a one-game suspension, it gives Warburton a headache for Saturday's trip to Charlton.

With recent signing Jack O'Connell sent back on loan to Rochdale, Bidwell has no natural competitor for the left-back spot, although right-backs Nico Yennaris and Alan McCormack can both play there.

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However, McCormack is only just back in training following a long term injury and has not played since October, while Yennaris has made just one start all season.

Centre-back Tony Craig can play at left-back, but to further complicate matters, he may be required in the middle if James Tarkowski fails to recover from a back injury.

Another option for Warburton is winger Stuart Dallas, who filled in at left-back after Bidwell was sent off, but the Bees missed his attacking instincts going forward, where he has been the perfect foil for the injured Alan Judge.

Warburton added: “Tony or Nico can play there, and Stuart Dallas put in a magnificent shift for us there. Tarks has the equivalent of a dead leg in his back, he got a kick in the back. The guy caught him, but there was no intent. He is a possible for Charlton.”