Tottenham have appealed to the Football Association to overturn Didier Zokora's dismissal during the Carling Cup quarter-final win over Manchester City last night.
Zokora was given a red card by referee Steve Bennett in the 20th minute at Eastlands for a tackle on Elano, and FA officials will consider the case tomorrow.
"Tottenham have submitted a claim for wrongful dismissal in relation to the sending-off of Didier Zokora for serious foul play against Manchester City in last night's Carling Cup tie," read a statement from the FA.
Zokora would face a three-match ban if the red card was upheld, leaving Spurs with bigger problems in defence.
Juande Ramos has played midfielder Zokora at the back, such is the shortage of fit defenders at White Hart Lane.
Michael Dawson missed the 2-0 win against City after suffering a migraine at the weekend, while Ledley King, Gareth Bale, Ricardo Rocha and Benoit Assou-Ekotto are on the sidelines.
They could have been reduced to nine men after Steed Malbranque's reckless challenge, a tackle that appeared worse than Zokora's.
"I don't think the referee made a good decision, Didier is not a dirty player," said full-back Pascal Chimbonda.
However, Spurs have not had much luck with FA appeals recently and were furious earlier this month when Robbie Keane's red card against Birmingham was upheld.
