Ipswich win red card appeal

Ipswich midfielder George O’Callaghan has had the red card shown to him during Saturday’s FA Cup defeat at Watford rescinded by the Football Association.

The Irishman, who was making his full debut for Ipswich, was dismissed during the first half by referee Steve Bennett for an alleged stamp on Hornets defender Danny Shittu.

O’Callaghan claimed he merely flicked out a leg in an attempt to get his grounded opponent off him and, following an appeal from the club, the FA’s disciplinary panel has cleared him of any wrongdoing.

“I always felt it was a harsh decision and obviously we’re delighted the appeal has been successful,” Town manager Jim Magilton told his club’s official website, www.itfc.co.uk.

O’Callaghan, who would have served a three-match ban had the decision been upheld, is now free to face Wolves at Portman Road tonight.