Thompson available after appeal

Leeds midfielder Alan Thompson has won his appeal for wrongful dismissal and will be available for the remainder of the season.

The once-capped former England international was facing a three-match ban after being dismissed for violent conduct in the 1-0 defeat to Southampton last Saturday.

Thompson was given his marching orders by referee Tony Bates for allegedly grabbing Saints’ Jhon Viafara by the throat during a first-half melee, but a Football Association panel have overturned the red card.

The 33-year-old will now be available for the matches against Ipswich and Derby which will decide Leeds’ Championship fate.

Burnley manager Steve Cotterill feels he was given “an unfair hearing” and may appeal against a £2000 (€2,900) fine for swearing at Derby player Mo Camara.

Cotterill was sent to the stand during his side’s 1-0 defeat at Pride Park in January, as was Rams boss Billy Davies, who backed the Clarets boss in his initial hearing against the FA charge.

An FA disciplinary committee ignored letters from Camara and Rams coach Julian Darby and found Cotterill guilty of using abusive or insulting words on Tuesday.

However, Cotterill can appeal and told the club’s website, www.burnleyfootballclub.premiumtv.co.uk: “I believe I have had an unfair hearing. I went there and told the truth and I’ve been fined for it.

“That was an appeal against the ruling and I can appeal again. That’s something I will think about when I’ve considered everything.”