Cole, Gibson have reds rescinded

The English Football Association (FA) have overturned red cards shown to Carlton Cole and Darron Gibson during Everton’s win at West Ham.

Cole was sent off in the 67th minute of the match held at Upton Park on December 22 for a tackle on Everton’s Leighton Baines.

Gibson also recieved a straight red card from referee Anthony Taylor when he tackled West Ham’s Mark Noble in second-half injury time.

But both players have successfully appealed their three-game suspensions on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the FA will not take disciplinary action against Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for his protestations during his side’s 4-3 win over Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

Ferguson berated referee Mike Dean, linesman Jake Collin and fourth official Neil Swarbrick just before the start of the second half over Newcastle’s second goal of the game.

Dean awarded the goal to Newcastle in the 29th minute when Manchester United defender Jonny Evans put the ball in his own net.

But with Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse next to Evans but in an offside position, the goal seemed unlikely to be given until Dean consulted with Collin and pointed to the middle well after the ball had hit the back of the net.

Ferguson was furious at the time and continued his protest just after the half-time break but despite backing Dean’s decision, the FA will not punish Manchester United’s manager.

“As Cisse did not play the ball, then he was not interfering with play,” a statement from the FA read.

The FA also added: “It is also the case that Cisse didn’t interfere with the opponent.”