Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel and Sunderland fullback George McCartney have had the red cards they received last Sunday rescinded by the English Football Association today.
Fiedel was sent off after 63 minutes of the 5-0 drubbing to Liverpool at Anfield after he was adjudged have brought down Fernando Torres after the striker burst through on goal.
Villa’s appeal was upheld today, meaning Friedel will be available for their next Premier League game at Manchester United on April 5th.
Northern Ireland international McCartney was sent off after just 15 minutes of the Black Cats defeat at Manchester City, with referee Steve Tanner, after consultation with his assistant Mo Matadar, adjudging the defender to have pulled back Shaun Wright-Phillips when through on goal.
Contact appeared minimal, prompting the Wearsiders to launch an appeal, which has subsequently proved successful.
Had the dismissal been upheld McCartney would have missed out on a return to his former club West Ham. But he will now be free to play at Upton Park on April 4th.
