Columbus Crew coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter says the club is ready to appeal Jonathan Mensah's red card.

Mensah received a pass from midfielder Federico Higuain near midfield in the 86th minute.

He began to dribble with Houston's Mauro Manotas gaining from behind and midfielder Alex positioned in front of Mensah.

Mensah, who lost control of the ball, slid and his studs appeared to make contact with Alex's right shin.

Alex fell down in pain and Mensah was shown a red card in the 87th minute for violent conduct, forcing the Crew to finish the game with 10 players on the pitch.

But Berhalter disagrees it should have been a sending off incident.

"I think there's a strong possibility we're going to appeal it based on the grounds that it was given for violent conduct and we think that Jonathan just slipped," Berhalter said.

"He slipped as he's passing the ball and there was no intent to tackle the player. We'll see what happens."