Southend United Football Club News

• Nickname:Shrimpers
• Founded:1906
• Manager:Paul Sturrock

• Ground:Roots Hall
• Capacity:12,392

Richards red card rescinded

18 Sep 2007 - 14:01:00

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Southend United defender Garry Richards has won his appeal against the controversial red card he was handed in Saturday's 1-0 win against Oldham Athletic.

The Football Association's Disciplinary Committee reviewed the incident on Tuesday and decided to rescind the red card handed to Richards by referee Trevor Kettle.

"It's excellent news because we didn't believe that Garry should have been sent off," Shrimpers boss Steve Tilson told the club's official website.

"At the time we thought the ref had got it wrong, and on looking at the video we knew he had.

"I'm glad that common-sense has prevailed and we can now prepare for Saturday's match against Doncaster with Garry in our thoughts."

Richards had been dismissed for a foul on the Latics' Craig Davies, although he fumed after the match: "I didn't even think it was a foul, let alone a red card.

"I 100 per cent won the ball and I just couldn't believe it when the ref showed me a red card. It was just an absolute disgrace.

"He wasn't even in a position to see it and I just hope I don't have to serve a three-match suspension because that would be awful."