Sunderland learn fate of red card appeal over hair-pull ahead of Manchester United fixture

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United’s opponents Sunderland have had a red card appeal rejected.

Sunderland defender Dan Ballard will be unavailable to face Manchester United this coming weekend.

Ballard was shown a straight red card in the first half of Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with relegated Wolves in their previous fixture.

He was sent off for pulling the hair of Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare, shown an instant red card for the Premier League’s ‘violent conduct rule‘.

Sunderland appealed the ban – but it has been upheld and he will serve a three game suspension, missing all three remaining fixtures – including the Manchester United game.

Ballard, a Northern Ireland international, had played 29 league games for Sunderland this season, starting 24 times.

Peter Schmeichel wants United to sign Granit Xhaka… what do you think about this?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

United failed with Lisandro Martinez appeal

The Premier League also rejected Manchester United’s ban against Lisandro Martinez’s red card for a hair-pull on Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

At least the Premier League are being consistent with their decision to uphold the decision against Ballard.

Martinez missed games against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool, with Manchester United winning all three.

The Argentina international is available again after suspension – with United boss Michael Carrick facing a decision whether to recall him or not.

Ayden Heaven has performed extremely well in recent games and it would be harsh to drop him to the bench.

Ayden Heaven or Lisandro Martinez – Who should start left centre-back vs Sunderland?

Heaven has been immense for United lately, but can you leave Martinez out after his return?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free