(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-03-04 11:05

LONDON - Chelsea have appealed against Frank Lampard's sending-off in their 4-0 Premier League victory at West Ham, the Football Association announced here Monday.

Chelsea's Frank Lampard (C) is sent off with a red card during a Premiership match against West Ham at Upton Park in London on March 1. [Agencies]

The England midfielder, who opened the scoring with a 17th minute penalty against his old club, was shown a straight red card by referee Peter Walton for shoving Luis Boa Morte in the chest at Upton Park on Saturday.

Many observers felt the decision in the 36th minute was harsh and Chelsea have now decided to appeal against Lampard's three-game ban for "violent conduct".

But should Tuesday's hearing go against Chelsea, Lampard's ban could be extended to four games as happened to Middlesbrough's Jeremie Aliadiere last week when a disciplinary panel rejected what they said was a "frivolous" appeal against a red card.

Victory in last weekend's capital derby left Chelsea third in the table, seven points behind leaders and London rivals Arsenal.

Chelsea's next match sees them up against Greek side Olympiakos in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.