Sligo Rovers have won a red card appeal for the second time in a week after Patrick McClean's controversial dismissal was wiped out by the FAI's appeals body today.
McClean was sent off after a challenge on Mason Melia, in what appeared to be a decision based on stopping a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The decision was met with bewilderment from McClean and his team-mates.
The game was poised at 0-0 at the time of the red, which Pat's went on to win 3-0.
Sligo boss John Russell rued the decision which he felt it turned the match on its head.
He said: "It was never a red card. There was a covering defender."
RTÉ Soccer analyst Alan Cawley described it as "one of the worst decisions I've ever seen".
Sligo immediately appealed the red card and were successful this afternoon.
A statement from the FAI read: "An Independent Appeal Committee of the FAI has upheld Sligo Rovers FC's appeal for wrongful dismissal following Patrick McClean's red card in Sligo Rovers FC’s SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixture versus St. Patrick's Athletic FC on 10 August
"In accordance with the FAI Disciplinary Regulations, Patrick McClean will be available for Sligo Rovers FC’s next SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division fixture versus Waterford FC on 22 August."
The Bit O' Red were also successful in their appeal over goalkeeper Sam Sargeant's red card against Shelbourne nine days ago when the goalkeeper was adjudged to have handled the ball outside of the penalty area.
That was overturned last Monday.
In the First Division, Treaty United also won an appeal over a red card in their 2-0 defeat Bray Wanderers last month.
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