City boost as McPhail ban overturned

The automatic ban accrued by Cardiff City's Stephen McPhail for his sending off against Colchester United has been overturned by an FAW panel. McPhail was dismissed in the final minute of Cardiff's 1-3 defeat after tangling with on-loan Manchester United striker Ritchie Jones. This resulted in a penalty and a straight red card for McPhail who was deemed to be the last man by referee Jonathan Moss. There appeared little in the challenge and both players had a hold on each other's shirts.

Dave Jones was adamant after the game that neither a penalty, nor a red card should have resulted and confirmed that Cardiff would appeal against the ban. Jones did comment however that he did not hold much hope of the ban being over-turned having failed in previous appeals to the panel, whilst he was also frustrated by the timescale of the appeal and the lack of preparation time it gave him after the decision is announced.

A similar case occurred earlier in the season when Glenn Loovens' ban was upheld for a dismissal against Preston. Jones will be relieved that his midfielder is available but frustrated that he has spent several intense sessions working with McPhail`s prospective replacement in that position with the outcome hanging for 5 days. McPhail has been ever-present for Cardiff this season and will now take up his place alongside Riccy Scimeca to face high-flying Burnley in a top-of-the-table clash.

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