Wigan successful over Gomez red card

The Football Association has rescinded the red card shown to Wigan midfielder Jordi Gomez following a successful appeal.

The 27-year-old was sent off by referee Howard Webb against Sunderland last weekend for a challenge on Danny Rose, with Black Cats striker Steven Fletcher scoring the only goal of the game three minutes later.

However, following the club submitting video evidence and manager Roberto Martinez writing a personal letter to explain the appeal, the FA decided to withdraw the ban, leaving the midfielder free to face Everton on Saturday.

Martinez told the club’s official website: “It does not bring back the time lost when Jordi had to leave the field but I am delighted that we can draw a line under this incident and that Jordi is available for us on Saturday.”

Martinez had previously revealed his disappointment at Webb’s refereeing prowess, saying: “I think it’s harsh. It’s harsh because Danny Rose loses the ball slightly.

“Jordi tackles as a striker tackles, showing the studs, but he never leaves the ground. It’s not a two-footed challenge.

“I can understand why the referee gave it, but I think it’s very, very harsh.

“My disappointment is that (Sebastian) Larsson has made a worse tackle against (Arouna) Kone and is not even shown a yellow card.”