Rodwell's Red Card Rescinded

Jack Rodwell has had his red card in Saturday’s Merseyside derby rescinded.

Referee Martin Atkinson saw fit to dismiss the Blues midfielder for a tackle on Luis Suarez just 23 minutes into the game against Liverpool at Goodison Park.

At the time of the sending off the scoreline was blank – but the visitors subsequently scored twice to record a 2-0 victory.

The decision to dismiss Rodwell received near universal condemnation and an FA review panel decreed on Tuesday afternoon that Mr Atkinson had indeed made the wrong call.

Everton’s Chief Executive Robert Elstone said he was pleased Rodwell would escape a ban – but admitted the decision did little to temper the grievances of those Blues who had turned out in force to support their team.

Mr Elstone said: "Whilst we welcome the correct decision the FA panel has reached, it's of course an outcome which will provide little consolation whatsoever to the 37,000 Evertonians packed into Goodison on Saturday to watch the 2-0 defeat.

"The Merseyside derby is a special occasion and many of our fans will have made financial sacrifices to make sure they were there to support the team.

"From the press, radio and television reports that surfaced in the aftermath of Saturday's events, they were almost unanimous in their verdict and whilst I doubt there will be few Evertonians celebrating the decision, we are pleased with the news that quite rightly the red card has been rescinded."

Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright added: “One of the biggest tragedies was for Jack himself. He has had a terrific season and was by far and away the most influential mid-fielder on the pitch up to that point.

“To deny him the opportunity to continue on such an important occasion must have been incredibly difficult for Jack - as it was for his team mates, manager and, of course, the fans.”