STEPHEN McMANUS is eligible to face Dundee tomorrow after his red card against Aberdeen was overturned.

 

The Motherwell centre-half was flashed a straight red card by referee Willie Collum in the dying seconds of Sunday's match for an alleged deliberate handball on the goal line.

Pictures afterwards clearly showed the 32-year-old could do little about the strike, which also appeared to hit him on the shoulder, with Well lodging an appeal first thing the following morning.

A hearing was held at Hampden yesterday morning, with the judicial panel reversing the call and clearing McManus to play at Dens Park tomorrow.

He said: McManus said: "I was bitterly disappointed and frustrated to be red carded last week, but I do also accept that mistakes happen and are part of the game.

"I am obviously pleased the red card has been rescinded and I very much look forward to Saturday's game against Dundee."

General manager Alan Burrows added: "I would like to thank the Compliance Officer, Tony McGlennan, for arranging the hearing so swiftly along with the members of the panel who sat and considered our appeal.

"It's a satisfying conclusion and a good example of how the improved disciplinary procedure can work to ensure a fair and transparent outcome."

Meanwhile, an appeal by St Mirren's Kenny McLean to overturn a red also handed to him by Collum in their New Year's Day match against Kilmarnock was also rescinded.

Following yesterday's hearing, a Buddies statement read: "St Mirren Football Club are pleased to confirm that they have won their appeal in relation to the red card given to Kenny McLean in the match with Kilmarnock on 1st January.

"The Judicial Panel have rescinded the red card which means Kenny's two game ban is now wiped and he will be available for Saturday's Premiership match against Aberdeen at St Mirren Park.

"At the hearing Kenny was represented by Chris Stewart (Company Secretary/Director) and Brian Caldwell (Chief Executive)."

ends