Rodwell has Merseyside derby red card rescinded

Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell's appeal against his controversial red card in last weekend's Merseyside derby has been upheld and he will not serve a ban.

The 20-year-old was sent off by referee Martin Atkinson in the 23rd-minute for a challenge on Luis Suarez which appeared neither dangerous nor reckless.

Everton lodged a claim for wrongful dismissal with the Football Association and the governing body's appeals panel have upheld that claim.

It means Rodwell's three-match suspension, which would have been imposed for an offence of serious foul play, has been withdrawn.

A statement from the Football Association said: "Everton's Jack Rodwell has had his claim for wrongful dismissal upheld.

"As a result, the three-match suspension handed to him has been withdrawn.

"Rodwell had originally received a red card for serious foul play in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Goodison Park on Saturday October 1."

Immediately after the match, which Everton lost 2-0, Toffees boss David Moyes expressed his amazement at Atkinson's decision.

"I thought it ruined the game. That wasn't down to a bad tackle," said the Scot.

"I would have been disappointed if it had been a free-kick. I don't think anyone in this world thought it was [a sending off]."