Appeal rejection would have amazed Cahill

Bolton defender Gary Cahill has admitted he would have been “absolutely amazed” if the appeal over his red card against Tottenham last weekend had not been successful.

The Football Association upheld Cahill’s claim for wrongful dismissal earlier this week as the England international was sent off after just 17 minutes of the 3-0 defeat for a foul on Scott Parker just inside his own half.

Referee Stuart Atwell had shown the red card for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity.

Cahill’s one-match suspension was withdrawn as a result of the appeal, meaning he is available to face former club Aston Villa.

“(The FA) They want to stick by referees but I would have been absolutely amazed if it wasn’t overturned.” Cahill told the club’s official website.

He added: “I think without a shadow of a doubt it was the right decision to overturn the red card.

“I’m sure everyone in the stadium was baffled when it happened because I was.”