Swansea City midfielder Wayne Routledge has won his appeal over the red card he received from referee Anthony Taylor in the 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers on New Years Day.
The incident came in the 86th minute of the contest held at Loftus Road. Seemingly unprovoked, the R’s Karl Henry launched into a flying kung-fu kick that nearly took Routledge’s head off, compelling Taylor to award a foul to Swansea.
On the ensuing free kick the ball went out to Routledge and in came Henry again, flying recklessly into the tackle and bringing down the Swansea-man. Tangled in Henry’s legs, Routledge shot up in anger, protesting Henry’s rashness.
Taylor responded by immediately awarding Routledge a straight red card before showing Henry a yellow for his actions. After the match Swans boss Gary Monk described Henry’s challenge as a “leg-breaker” and insisted Routledge should’ve stayed on the pitch.
Upon review, the FA agreed:
“Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing on Friday, 2 January 2015, Swansea City’s Wayne Routledge has had his claim for wrongful dismissal upheld. The three-match suspension has therefore been withdrawn with immediate effect.”
The decision will now see Routledge available for Saturday’s third round FA Cup match against Tranmere. In 18 Premier League appearances this season the 29-year-old has recorded three goals and one assist.
