Chelsea are to appeal against the red card shown to goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini during Saturday's 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

The Blues booked their place in the fourth round thanks to Mario Stanic's 38th-minute goal but the tie will be remembered for the controversial dismissal of Cudicini after 62 minutes.

Boro striker Dean Windass barged Cudicini along with the ball into the back of the net as he challenged for a free-kick and a goalmouth melee ensued.

When things calmed down referee Mark Halsey, who had already disallowed the 'goal', booked Windass.

Cudicini could not believe he was being sent-off

Then after consulting assistant Paul Vosper the official dismissed Cudicini when replays suggested the Italian did not deserve even a caution.

"From the bench I couldn't see anything but television has given me the opportunity to watch the incident and Carlo didn't touch Windass," said Blues boss Claudio Ranieri.

"Carlo was knocked to the floor, he stood up, looked at his opponent and the referee arrived.

"I don't know what the linesman saw. Carlo used only his eyes, so they must be very dangerous!

"There is no point speaking to the referee now but we are going to appeal because television is very clear and I am confident the video will clear Carlo.

Ranieri was furious with the decision

"I thought at the time it was very strange because Carlo is a very loyal man who would not act in that way."

Boro boss Steve McClaren did not know whether Cudicini had done anything wrong but he backed the initial challenge by Windass.

"I didn't see it because there were too many players around so I cannot comment," McClaren said.

"But I thought it was a fair challenge. The FA Cup is all about passion, commitment and character and Dean Windass epitomised that today and the rest of my players followed him.

"It was frustrating again today because we lost 1-0 again yet I cannot fault my players and we came out of it with a lot of pride.

"I am very disappointed to be out of the FA Cup but I saw things today which showed that my youngsters are coming together as a team."