Justice For Brown, Defender's Ban Overturned

The ridiculous red card issued to Wes Brown at last weekend's defeat at Stoke City has been overturned by the FA.

Having been sent off on Saturday, Sunderland immediately filed an appeal on Monday morning, with it also announced on the same day Kevin Friend would be absent for two weeks of Premier League action.

Today, justice was served (as much as it could be anyway) as Brown's card has been overturned and the former Manchester United and England international will be available to face Aston Villa at Villa Park this coming weekend.

Manager Gus Poyet wanted an apology from Head of Referee's Mike Riley, and he got one as well. Poyet told the press today;

I have spoken with Mike Riley and whilst the details of our conversation will remain private, I am satisfied with today's outcome.

It's unusual for the FA, but they seem to have done the right thing here. I suspect it will be a long time before we see Kevin Friend referee another Sunderland game.