Cahill expected red reprieve

Cahill expected red reprieve

Published Dec. 9, 2011 7:15 p.m. ET

The Football Association upheld Cahill's claim for wrongful dismissal earlier this week as the England international was sent off after just 17 minutes of the 3-0 defeat for a foul on Scott Parker just inside his own half. Referee Stuart Atwell had shown the red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Cahill's one-match suspension was withdrawn as a result of the appeal, meaning he is available to face former club Aston Villa tomorrow. "(The FA) They want to stick by referees but I would have been absolutely amazed if it wasn't overturned." Cahill told the club's official website. He added: "I think without a shadow of a doubt it was the right decision to overturn the red card. "I'm sure everyone in the stadium was baffled when it happened because I was. "It was just after the halfway line, close to the touchline, yet he said he sent me off for a goalscoring opportunity so that was amazing. He still had 45 yards to run with the ball. "The right decision was made and I'm available for selection tomorrow. "Stuart gave me the time of day to explain his decision at half-time which was nice, but there's no defending it."

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