Grimsby deny Shearer 'elbow'

Shearer required three stitches in a lip wound on Wednesday night after Whittle's first-half challenge, which left the former England striker furious. He admitted that he had to restrain himself from retaliating after the defender's elbow struck him in the face.

A statement from the League Two side said: "Grimsby Town Football Club have reviewed last night's clash between Justin Whittle and Alan Shearer.

"We feel that there was no deliberate intent on behalf of Justin to catch Alan with his arm. The referee on the evening was very close to the incident and no action was taken."

Barnet have appealed to the Football Association against a red card for their goalkeeper Ross Flitney's red card for handball outside the area in their Carling Cup defeat by Manchester United. Flitney was sent off by referee Richard Beeby less than two minutes into the 4-1 third-round defeat at Old Trafford.