Roberto Mancini has accused Wayne Rooney of putting pressure on referee Chris Foy to send off Vincent Kompany in Manchester City's 3-2 FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.
The defender, 25, faces a four-match ban after he was sent off for a tackle on Nani at Etihad Stadium.
Mancini said: "It was not a red card. Rooney told him his decision."
When asked to clarify if he felt Rooney had influenced the decision, Mancini added: "Yes, he was near the referee."
Mancini says the club will appeal against the red card. He said: "We will do an appeal and I am sure that we will win.
"There is no way Vincent shouldn't play against Liverpool in the Carling Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
"It was 300% not a sending off."
Kompany's 12th-minute dismissal came as part of a calamitous first half for City, in which United took a 3-0 lead.
But Mancini's side, who lead United by three points at the top of the Premier League, fought back in the second period and almost forced an unlikely third-round replay.
"My feeling is good because we gave such a good performance," added the Italian. "I am disappointed we lost but I'm happy with our performance and proud of my players.
"I am disappointed with this game but I think we took two steps forward. If we play this way against United with 10 men and with the same attitude and strength in every other game then I think we will win the title.
"We did not want to concede any more goals in the second half and did not give them any chances, which was very good.
"At this moment it is difficult because we have players injured, players away, and now I think it is incredible that Vincent cannot play against Liverpool [in the Carling Cup]."
The drama at the Etihad began before kick-off, when United named Paul Scholes on the bench after the veteran midfielder came out of retirement to sign for the Reds Devils until the end of the season.
Mancini admitted he was surprised to see the return of the 37-year-old.
"Paul Scholes is a fantastic player but yes, it was strange to see him on the bench again," said the City boss.
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