The Football Association have overturned the three-match ban handed out to Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes after accepting the Red Devils’ appeal of wrongful dismissal.
Fernandes was sent off shortly before half-time in United’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur after catching James Maddison high on the knee, although replays showed the contact was minimal and Fernandes meant no harm after clearly slipping as he made the challenge.
United were unhappy with VAR’s decision not to overrule Fernandes’ dismissal and took their appeal to the FA, who have now confirmed the midfielder’s ban has been lifted.
“Bruno Fernandes will be available for Manchester United’s next three games following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal,” a club statement read.
“The midfielder was sent off for serious foul play during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, 29 September.
“Fernandes was set to miss our league fixtures against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham but will now be available for selection following the successful appeal.”
Fronting up to the media after the game, Fernandes revealed even Maddison himself confessed it should not have been a red card.
“Apart from slipping going in, I don’t take him as everyone wants to see it,” Fernandes told Sky Sports.
“I don’t go with the studs, I take him with my ankle. It’s a clear foul but never a red card. That’s my feeling. Even Maddison, when he gets up, you can see in the image… he just said, ‘It’s a foul but it’s never a red card’. That’s what he said.”
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