Philip Lowry was dismissed in the defeat by Sligo Rovers

League of Ireland: St Pat's Athletic v Derry City (Fri)

Derry City boss Peter Hutton has criticised the three-match ban handed to Philip Lowry ahead of the league clash against St Pat's Athletic.

Lowry was show a straight red card after a tangle with Sligo's Raffaele Cretaro earlier this month.

Hutton said the ban, for gross violent conduct, was " crazy" and described the discilpinary process as "ludicrous".

Conor McCormack is also suspended for the game in Dublin while Stephen Dooley is doubtful with a hamstring injury.

"It was an innocuous aerial challenge and Philip couldn't get out of the way of Cretaro, who made a meal of it and never received any treatment," added Hutton.

"A young, inexperienced fourth official deemed it gross violent conduct and therefore a minimum three-match ban.

"We submitted video evidence and how that didn't have any effect is beyond me – the whole thing needs looked at."

Derry enjoyed a 3-0 win over Drogheda United in the FAI Cup last week and they now resume their battle against relegation.

Sligo Rovers occupy the relegation play-off spot but only goal difference separates them and the Candystripes, while St Pat's sit in fourth place.

"We are buoyed by the performance against Drogheda and the great result," said Hutton.

"We can take heart from that and hopefully bring it into the game on Friday night."