McCartney red card rescinded

Sunderland full-back George McCartney has had the red card he received in Sunday’s defeat at Manchester City rescinded today by the Football Association.

The Northern Ireland international was sent off after just 15 minutes at Eastlands with referee Steve Tanner, after consultation with his assistant Mo Matadar, adjudging McCartney to have pulled back Shaun Wright-Phillips when the City winger burst through on goal.

Contact appeared minimal, prompting the Wearsiders to launch an appeal, which has subsequently proved successful.

Had the dismissal been upheld McCartney would have missed out on a return to his former club West Ham. But he will now be free to play at Upton Park on April 4.