Watford manager Marco Silva implores for referees not to make an example out of his side

Marco Silva has implored referees not to "make an example" out of Watford after launching an appeal against Marvin Zeegelaar's red card at Burnley.

Dutch full-back Zeegelaar was sent off as Watford lost 1-0 in Saturday's Premier League clash, and has been hit with a three-match suspension.

Watford have appealed against the decision in a bid to have the 27-year-old available for Tuesday's league trip to Crystal Palace.

"I don't have doubts about the red card. It was very harsh, I can't say more," Silva told reporters at a press conference.

"It's better I just say it with these two words; for me it had a big influence on the match. At that moment the team were playing well - we were there to get a good result and compete. That moment had a big influence on the result.

"I saw two matches in the afternoon yesterday, the Liverpool and Manchester derbies, I saw more than one incident like the Zeegelaar one, and it was a yellow card every time.

"It needs to be equal for everyone - not making an example of one team.

"The Premier League is a tough league, don't make an example out of Watford.

"In the big matches, the big derbies, it's a tough game and a big game, you need to equal it with the others.

"Our game was two teams competing really hard but respecting each other. It was a fair game.

"The referee had a big influence and for me, it's not fair. We're appealing because we don't feel it is fair."

Miguel Britos and Kiko Femenia could be fit in time for Tuesday's Palace trip, with both men back in training.

Britos has been harbouring a knock and Femenia a muscular problem, but both are closing in on a return to action.

"We're still in recovery with the players, we'll work again today with them; we'll see how they are but nothing special and no big problems," said Silva.

"Britos is more difficult, and we'll see with Kiko."