Referee Mark Halsey is standing by his decision to dismiss Sol Campbell for violent conduct in Arsenal's controversial draw with title rivals Manchester United.

Campbell was said to be 'destroyed' by his second red card of the season, awarded after a flailing arm made contact with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and asked Halsey to reconsider his verdict.

But as the Gunners await the result of an appeal to the FA to clear Campbell for the title run-in and the FA Cup final, the referee says sending the England defender off was his only option.

"The sending off was for violent conduct," he said. "I saw enough of it but just got confirmation from my assistant.

"I said to Sol as he came into the dressing room afterwards that he was entitled to send the video to the FA if he felt he had a case and they would send the video to me. I'm satisfied with my decision. I've seen it again and I'm happy with it."

Campbell is due to miss four games - three for the offence and one extra because it is is second red card of the campaign.

If Arsenal's appeal fails, he will sit out Premiership fixtures against Leeds, Southampton and Sunderland, as well as the Cup final against Saints - a huge blow for the champions, who are already faced with the prospect of finishing the season without injured skipper Patrick Vieira.