Ref Rennie overturns Neill suspension

Lucas Neill is free to play in the second leg of Blackburn’s Worthington Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United thanks to referee Uriah Rennie.

Neill was booked for diving by Rennie during Rovers’ 1-1 first leg draw with United at Old Trafford.

The Australian was adamant he had been fouled by Mikael Silvestre and he, and Rovers boss Graeme Souness, urged Rennie to reconsider.

And the Football Association’s website tonight revealed that Rennie, having viewed a video of the game, had “expressed his wish that the caution of Lucas Neill be rescinded”.

This means Neill will not have to serve a one-match suspension for the accumulation of five cautions and is free to play against United in the second leg on January 22.