SOCCER:Frank Lampard's appeal against the red card he received in Chelsea's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Liverpool has been successful. The midfielder was sent off by referee Mike Riley for his challenge on Xabi Alonso in the 59th minute of Sunday's match at Anfield.

An independent regulatory commission hearing today upheld his claim, resulting in the withdrawal of his three-match suspension.

The third dismissal of Lampard’s career was shrouded in controversy. Replays showed the England midfielder made contact with the ball first.

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari leapt to Lampard’s defence, insisting the challenge was legitimate — and the club lodged their appeal with the Football Association yesterday.

Had the claim failed, Lampard would have missed Premier League matches against Hull and Aston Villa and an FA Cup fifth-round tie at Watford.