Wes Brown red card overturned

This was a week of controversial decisions in the Barclays Premier League, with referees in the lime-light for the wrong reasons. The most appalling decision was that of Kevin Friend’s, who sent off Wes Brown, for a tackle that wasn’t. However, Sunderland have managed to overturn the 3 match ban, following a successful appeal to the Football Association.

In a statement released by the FA, it said, “With regard to Brown, who was dismissed for serious foul play during Saturday’s game at Stoke City, the claim was upheld. As a result, his three-match suspension has been withdrawn with immediate effect”

The criteria to deem a tackle worthy of a straight red card are – the opponent needs to be in considerable danger, contact must be made, and the tackler must not be in control of his body. Wes Brown did not fit any of the three, and thus, rightly, the decision was overturned.

Sunderland manager, Gus Poyet, was absolutely livid with the decision, and has called for an apology from Mike Riley, the head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board.

The other red card appeal with regards to Yannick Bolasie of Crystal Palace, will stand, as confirmed by the FA.

“The claim in relation to Bolasie, who was dismissed for serious foul play during his side’s match at Hull City on Saturday, was unsuccessful therefore his three-match ban remains with immediate effect.” said the FA

Sunderland are languishing at the bottom of the table with just 7 points off their 12 games. If they are to stay up, they could do without such disappointing decisions, and will need the rub of the green to go their way.