News: Alim Ozturk’s red card OVERTURNED - he will be available for Sunderland’s game at Pompey!

Alim Ozturk’s red card has been successfully overturned by the FA, meaning the big Turkish defender is available to play on Thursday for the second leg of the play-offs at Fratton Park.

Ozturk was dubiously removed from action by referee Andy Woolmer during the second half of Saturday’s win over Portsmouth, deeming that the former Hearts captain had fouled Gareth Evans as both men chased the ball down near the edge of Sunderland’s box.

But, replays clearly showed that Ozturk had not only won the ball but that play was also running out towards the corner and not at Jon McLaughlin - meaning that, under current rules, Ozturk had not committed an offence worthy of a dismissal.

Thankfully Sunderland hung on, but only just - Portsmouth hit the bar from the free kick that was awarded as a result of Ozturk’s alleged ‘foul’.