Wednesday 2 September 2015 17:15, UK
Stoke's Ibrahim Afellay has had his three-match ban for slapping Craig Gardner reduced to two games.
The Netherlands midfielder was sent off during the first half of his new side's 1-0 home defeat to West Brom on Saturday.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes afterwards admitted the decision was fair "by the letter of the law" despite Afellay making only slight contact with Albion's midfielder.
And an independent commission appointed by the Football Association has backed Stoke's appeal to have the "excessive" punishment reduced.
Afellay will now be free to play in City's Capital One Cup tie at Fulham on September 22.
Charlie Adam was also sent off for violent conduct against West Brom and must serve a three-match suspension.
