Middlesbrough striker Rudy Gestede was sent off after a challenge on Grant Hanley in Saturday’s defeat to Norwich City. But following an appeal, the three-game ban has been lifted, and will no longer face a suspension.
Having already been booked, Gestede was shown a straight red in the first half. His tackle was deemed to be too reckless, and resulted in his dismissal by referee Mike Jones, leaving Middlesbrough to play the remainder of the game with ten men.
But post-match comments from manager Tony Pulis showed his determination to appeal the decision, and to have the ban overturned. The initial appeal was lodged on Tuesday 6th February. The FA Disciplinary Panel immediately rescinded the red card upon hearing Boro’s case.
A statement from the FA was released after the announcement. It read:
“Middlesbrough’s Rudy Gestede has successfully appealed his sending-off against Norwich City on Saturday.
“An Independent Regulatory Commission agreed it was not serious foul play and, therefore, the player will not serve any suspension.”
With the deadline day exits of Martin Braithwaite to Bordeaux and Ashley Fletcher to Sunderland, Pulis could have been left with a selection headache ahead of Reading on Saturday. Britt Assombalonga has been trusted to lead the line previously, but has failed to make an impact under the new manager so far.
Also, Patrick Bamford has often been used as a number 10 or out wide instead, so the red card appeal has worked in Boro’s favour massively.
Upon winning the appeal, Rudy Gestede has received backlash from plenty of opposing fans. He tweeted his response on Tuesday evening.
Delighted we won the Appeal!
Thank You to those who’ve supported me ♥️🙏🏽
Advice to some others – Don’t waste your time & energy to hate on ppl. Love will always be more powerful! 😉
We are all on the same team, fighting for the same dream. Remember that #UTB 🔴♥️🇧🇯 pic.twitter.com/Y5SqJgKfNx
— Rudy Gestede (@RudyGestede) February 6, 2018
Middlesbrough face Reading on Saturday, as they look to recover from the 1-0 loss away to Norwich last weekend. Boro will be at full strength in the striker department following the appeal, and January signings Mohamed Besic, Jack Harrison and Martin Cranie could make their first starts for the club against the Royals.
