EPL: Sunderland joy as Wes Brown red card overturned
Wes Brown was shown a straight red card by referee Kevin Friend after making an apparently clean challenge on Charlie Adam in the 36th minute of the game, prompting a heated reaction from Poyet.
Sunderland defender Wes Brown has had the red card he received away to Stoke City last weekend overturned by an independent regulatory commission, the Football Association announced Tuesday.
"With regard to Brown, who was dismissed for serious foul play during Saturday's game at Stoke City, the claim (for wrongful dismissal) was upheld," an FA statement said.
"As a result, his three-match suspension has been withdrawn with immediate effect."
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet, who was furious with the original decision to dismiss Brown, in a Premier League game his side went on to lose 2-0, reacted to the FA's announcement by telling the club's website: "I would like to express my thanks to the panel for giving the matter their consideration.
"Naturally we are delighted with their decision, which is fair and just," he added, with Sunderland having confirmed Monday they would lodge an appeal.
Brown was shown a straight red card by referee Kevin Friend after making an apparently clean challenge on Charlie Adam in the 36th minute of the game, prompting a heated reaction from Poyet.
The former Manchester United defender was sent off with Sunderland trailing 1-0 to a goal by Adam and Poyet identified the incident as a pivotal turning point in the match.
"It was a key moment -- a moment when we were trying to come back and take the game to Stoke," said the Uruguayan at a post-match press conference.
"We were down to 10 men for no reason. I would like to know why. If someone can explain, I will think about it. I am sure there is no explanation, so nobody will call me. I don't even think it is a foul."
West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke revealed last week that the head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board, Mike Riley, had called him to apologise for a penalty awarded to Chelsea in their recent 2-2 draw against his side, and Poyet said that Sunderland were also deserving of an apology.
"Maybe Mike Riley needs to call me on Monday," he said. "I will have my phone on."