WIMBLEDON won't stop wingeing over the events which led to their defeat at Burnden last Saturday.

But captain Robbie Earle faces disappointment over his plea against his sending off, which sparked angry post-match protests by the Dons.

The Football Association is currently studying a video of the incident submitted by Wimbledon, who want referee Mike Reed to change his mind and expunge the red card.

Earle was sent off for using foul and abusive language after the Birmingham official judged he handled the ball to concede the 42nd minute penalty John McGinlay stuck away to secure Wanderers' first win in 12 Premiership games. It looked a good decision by the ref until television clearly supported Earle's claim that he had made contact with head rather than hand.

But FA spokeswoman Claire Tomlinson said: "Players must be aware of the risk they run if they use foul and abusive language on the field of play."

Earle is unlikely to be cleared because he was sent off for abuse rather than the actual penalty offence shown by the video.

Wimbledon boss Joe Kinnear was still fuming over the incident despite Wednesday's 1-0 FA Cup replay win over Watford. "It is as clear as day that Robbie headed the ball," he said. "I get slaughtered for criticising people but what about Mike Reed?

"I told him Robbie headed the ball but he insisted it was hands. I hope he enjoyed his Sunday lunch while he watched it again on television. I suppose he thought 'Oh, its only Wimbledon'.

"We have written to the FA saying that referees seem to have it in for us but they just sit on the fence.

"There are about 20 examples I'd like to put together on video and expose on television.

"If we don't have professional referees and a third eye in the stand we will be in trouble." Tomlinson dismissed Wimbledon's victimisation claim, saying: "Referees go out to do a professional job without taking note of the teams they are controlling and make decisions as they see fit."

Leeds' appeal on behalf of on-loan striker Lee Chapman is also likely to fail, which means he will not be eligible to face Wanderers in next Saturday's Fourth round FA Cup tie.

Chapman maintains his elbow connected accidentally with West Ham's Marc Rieper before he was sent off by Paul Danson.

But the FA have pointed out that an elbowing offence need not be deliberate to earn a red card. The referee can send players off if he considers there has been reckless use of an elbow.

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