Just a big coincidence

[Kenneth]

Surely tho, if what you say is true, then the FA would have stood by the referees decision of a red card, rather than over-turning it...they very rarely overturn cards, so there must have been strong reason for doubt?

Obviously proving Craig's point about it being contentious. I think it was a fair red card and was amazed that it was overturned so he could play against Utd, what with the pro-Utd conspiracy and all that.

[Craig_H]

Surely tho, if what you say is true, then the FA would have stood by the referees decision of a red card, rather than over-turning it...they very rarely overturn cards, so there must have been strong reason for doubt?

There's no doubt if you apply the laws in a black & white sense - and the referees have to do that. The FA can then turn around and say "well we'll use our discretion here and rescind the red card" but the referees fear some backlash if they arent seen to be applying the laws appropriately.

The ref's defence is to simply say he applied the law and if there's a problem, it's the law which needs to be looked at - but he absolves himself of blame.