Terry freed to face United

[Elano]

JOHN TERRY is free to face Manchester United after winning the appeal over his controverisal red card.

The Chelsea skipper was sent off by Mark Halsey at Manchester City after pulling down striker Jo with his arm.

Despite the Blues initially complaining that Terry was not the last defender, referee Halsey actually produced the card for serious foul play.

That is classed as when someone "uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when challenging for the ball when it is play".

Today's ruling means the England captain can now face title challengers United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

An FA statement read: "At an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today, a claim for wrongful dismissal from Chelsea's John Terry was upheld.

"Terry was shown a red card for serious foul play during Chelsea's match against Manchester City on September 13.

"As a result of today's hearing, Terry's three match suspension has been withdrawn."

Chelsea have successfully appealed against John Terry’s controversial sending-off against Manchester City.

Terry was dismissed 13 minutes before the end of his side's 3-1 victory after Mark Halsey, the referee, deemed the defender's block on Jo, the City striker, to be serious foul play.

But a Football Association hearing upheld Chelsea's claim of wrongful dismissal and Terry's red card and three-match ban has been rescinded.

Had the ban been enforced, the Chelsea captain would have missed Sunday's crucial Premier League clash with champions Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, as well as the Carling Cup tie against Portsmouth on September 24 and the league match with Stoke City three days later.

Terry's challenge on Jo occurred inside the centre circle, with Ricardo Carvalho in close attendance and Jose Bosingwa, the full back, also running back to cover.

Chelsea's appeal revolved around the fact that Terry was not the last defender, but the referee's decision to issue a red card for serious foul play rather than a professional foul meant his position on the pitch and the presence of surrounding players were of no relevance.