Source: Telegraph
FA rescind Brad Friedel red card
The move means that the Villa goalkeeper will be available to face Manchester United at Old Trafford in his side's next Premier League game a week on Sunday.[LNB]The American was sent off during Villa's 5-0 defeat to Liverpool by referee Martin Atkinson when he brought down Fernando Torres as the Spanish striker closed on goal. However, the FA have agreed with Friedel that it was a 50-50 ball and, having committed himself, the goalkeeper had nowhere else to go when Torres reached the ball before him.[LNB] Related ArticlesFriedel's red card rescindedWhy rest of Europe mourns Villa's demiseO'Neill must change gameplanGerrard hat-trick fires Liverpool title chargeFrank Lampard red card rescinded by FAI did not deserve red card and Liverpool were dirtier than me, says Emmanuel AdebayorHad the red card stood, the 37-year-old former United States international would have been banned for his side's visit to United. With ground to make up on Arsenal if Villa are to remain in the race for fourth place, and morale in desperate need of a boost, the FA's decision has come as a timely tonic.[LNB]The FA have also shown leniency on Sunderland defender George McCartney, who was sent off against Manchester City after just 15 minutes for pulling back a goal-bound Shaun Wright-Phillips. McCartney will now be free to play former club West Ham when the Premier League resumes after the international break.[LNB]Meanwhile, Stuart Pearce has overlooked Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor's recent run of poor form to include him in his England Under-21 squad to face Norway and France. Agbonlahor played for the senior side against Spain back in February, but having scored just once in his last 16 appearances at club level, he was on this occasion omitted from the senior squad by England manger Fabio Capello. [LNB]
