Red cards overturned

Andy Welsh and Paul Konchesky have had their red cards overturned.

Sunderland winger Andy Welsh and West Ham's Paul Konchesky will not be suspended following their red cards at the weekend.

Black Cats wide man Welsh clashed with Liverpool's Luis Garcia and was amazingly shown the red card by referee Barry Knight but manager Mick McCarthy lodged an appeal against the decision.

The Football Association's disciplinary commission have upheld the claim of wrongful dismissal as they felt the challenge could not be deemed as violent conduct.

Welsh is in the Sunderland squad to face Manchester City on Tuesday night and is also now available for the trip to Wigan Athletic at the weekend.

Konchesky was sent off for a sliding challenge from behind on Jermaine Jenas at Newcastle, even though it looked as though he made contact with the ball.

The appeal was upheld and the Hammers star will not be suspended for the foul, a bonus to the East Londoners as they also held out with ten men to secure a point from the game at St James' Park.

Steve Howard of Luton Town will begin a three-match ban immediately after his claim against a red card was rejected.

Southend United striker Freddy Eastwood also had his appeal rebuffed and described as 'frivolous' by the committee. Hence, the decision to add another match suspension to his punishment, making it a four-game ban.