Soccer:Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell's appeal against his controversial red card in last weekend's Merseyside derby has been upheld and he will not serve a ban.
The 20-year-old was sent off by referee Martin Atkinson in the 23rd minute for a challenge on Luis Suarez which appeared neither dangerous nor reckless.
Everton lodged a claim for wrongful dismissal with the English Football Association and the governing body’s appeals panel have upheld that claim.
It means Rodwell’s three-match suspension, which would have been imposed for an offence of serious foul play, has been withdrawn.
A statement from the English FA said: “Everton’s Jack Rodwell has had his claim for wrongful dismissal upheld. As a result, the three-match suspension handed to him has been withdrawn.”
Immediately after the match, which Everton lost 2-0, Toffees boss David Moyes expressed his amazement at Atkinson’s decision.
“I thought it ruined the game. That wasn’t down to a bad tackle,” said the Scot. “I would have been disappointed if it had been a free-kick. I don’t think anyone in this world thought it was (a sending off).”
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