Mifsud sent off as Coventry lose derby

Michael Mifsud experienced a frustrating night as the Coventry striker was sent off during the 4-0 defeat to West Brom in the derby of the Midlands at the Ricoh Arena yesterday.

Only 10 minutes had passed in The Championship match when the Malta striker was dismissed after he was judged to have led with his arm in an aerial duel with West Brom defender Carl Hoefkens.

Mifsud was running to reach a long pass a few metres outside the area and hit West Brom defender Hoefkens in the face. After a brief consultation with the fourth official, the referee brandished the red card.

The decision infuriated Coventry coach Ian Dowie and despite the vehement protests from the home side the referee stood by his judgment and Mifsud had to leave the pitch in the early stages of the match.

West Brom fully profited from the numerical advantage, hitting four goals without reply through Paul Robinson (55), Andrade Teixeira (57, 72) and Robert Koren (90) to go second on 30 points.

Coventry remain eighth on 24 points.