Samir Nasri free to play against Stoke as Manchester City appeal red card

Samir Nasri will be free to play against Stoke City on New Year's Day as Manchester City have appealed against the Frenchman's red card, manager Roberto Mancini confirmed this morning.

Nasri, 25, was dismissed for seemingly moving his head towards Sebastien Bassong after reacting angrily to a challenge from the Norwich centre-back in Saturday's 4-3 win at Carrow Road.

City had until 1pm today to submit their appeal and Mancini confirmed to reporters this morning that they would do so.

"We will appeal, because we think the referee made a mistake," he said. "For me the red card was not correct. If he has to send someone off, it should have been both players. If not, a yellow card was enough.

"I don't know why the linesman told him this decision. Samir was unhappy but so was I. We can't lose players in those situations – it was a mistake."

Stoke's Steven N'Zonzi will also be available as the Potters have appealed his dismissal from the weekend as well.