The Black Cats defender was sent off in the League One semi-final first leg against Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have delivered some good news ahead of their playoff semi-final second leg against Portsmouth on Thursday in the shape of Alim Ozturk being available after his red card from Saturday’s game was rescinded.
The Turkish defender was sent off by referee Andy Woolmer on 67 minutes after appearing to bring down Portsmouth’s Gareth Evans on the edge of the area in the first leg, marking the eighth time Sunderland have been reduced to 10 men this season (Sunderland Echo).
However, following a successful appeal to the Football Association, Ozturk’s suspension has been withdrawn with immediate effect after a claim of wrongful dismissal was upheld by an independent regulatory commission.
The 26-year-old will thus be available for Thursday’s game at Fratton Park, with Sunderland boasting a 1-0 first-leg lead after Chris Maguire scored the game’s only goal on 62 minutes, a superb volley after connecting with Matt Clarke’s attempted headed clearance.
Here is how some of the Stadium of Light faithful reacted to the news after Sunderland’s Twitter feed made the announcement:
Three of the red card decisions given against Sunderland have now been rescinded after the Black Cats also submitted successful appeals regarding Max Power’s red card at Walsall and Chris Maguire’s dismissal against Luton (Sunderland Echo).
The winners of Saturday’s tie will go on to face either Charlton Athletic or Doncaster Rovers at Wembley Stadium on 26 May for a place in the Championship.
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