COLCHESTER United will weigh up whether or not to appeal Theo Robinson's red card at Crewe Alexandra last night.

The U's striker was given his marching orders for violent conduct deep into stoppage-time in the goal-less draw, at Gresty Road.

Robinson, who minutes earlier had entered the fray as a substitute for Luke Norris, was involved in an off-the-ball altercation with Crewe's Nicky Hunt.

It resulted in the U's loanee being shown the red card for the second time in his career and the veteran former Bolton Wanderers defender being cautioned.

Referee Andy Haines then awarded a penalty to Colchester, which Frank Nouble saw saved by home goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen.

Robinson, 30, is now facing a three-match suspension, which would see him miss the U's forthcoming games against Newport County, Mansfield Town and potentially the club's FA Cup clash with Coventry City on November 9 - if the striker is permitted to play in the first-round tie by parent club Southend United.

Robinson is cup-tied for Colchester's Carabao Cup fourth-round tie at Crawley Town, next Tuesday.

Colchester head coach John McGreal said: "We'll have to look at it.

"I just know that there was a red card.

"I don't know why there's been a red card and a booking and we've been given a penalty."

Colchester missed the chance to beat the league leaders, after Nouble's spot-kick was saved.

But boss McGreal insists he is more than happy for Nouble to take a penalty again should the U's be awarded one again when they host Newport, this weekend.

"Frank has scored all of his penalties this year, including in the penalty shoot-outs," said McGreal.

"I'm sure that if there's a penalty on Saturday and Nos (Luke Norris) is off the pitch or whatever, I'm sure Frank will take it again."

McGreal was pleased to see his side put in a much-improved performance at Crewe, following back-to-back defeats.

Along with Nouble's spot-kick, they had other chances to grab a winner with Jaaskelainen the busier of the two goalkeepers on the night.

McGreal added: "We've had four golden opportunities to score goals and it'll come as long as the endeavour and work rate is there.

"We have the defensive solidity and the passion was also there, which was the important thing.

"The turnover was there too - we gave the ball away way too often against Morecambe but (against Crewe) we were able to build up a bit of play."