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EFL overturn the ‘most blatant red cards of the season’ that could have impact on promotion
Published 12:50 3 May 2024 BST
Updated 12:50 3 May 2024 BST
Homesport
Absolutely baffling
Football League fans have been stunned after one of the "most blatant red cards of the season" was overturned.
Doncaster Rovers' 2-2 draw with Gillingham on Saturday saw them qualify for the League Two play offs however they were expected to be without their goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala.
He was shown a straight red after he rushed out of his box and handed the ball when his defender tried to head it back to him.
Rovers were expected to be without Lo-Tutala for the first leg of their game against Crewe Alexandra, but they chose to appeal.
Everyone just presumed that the appeal would be laughed off because you know, but the EFL had other ideas.
An independent appeal concluded that Lo-Tutala's red card should be overturned and the Hull City loanee is now available for the first leg fixture.
"We can confirm that the club has successfully appealed against the red card received by Thimothee Lo-Tutala against Gillingham," said a statement from the fourth-tier side.
This is the most blatant red card you’ll ever see. How on earth has it been overturned?! #drfc #crewealex https://t.co/sHgcbRhCss pic.twitter.com/PO1VwbbIDp
— Red Alex (@RedAlexCrewe) May 1, 2024
"Tim will be available for selection for Monday's play-off semi-final first leg at Crewe Alexandra."
Watching back the incident, some people couldn't believe the outcome of the appeal.
"This is the most blatant red card you’ll ever see. How on earth has it been overturned?!" wrote one user.
A second commented: "Refs in this country are a joke, how’s that been rescinded.
"On what grounds was that overturned? Blatant handball outside the area knew exactly what he was doing," added a third.
According to the EFL rules however, although the 'keeper clearly handled the ball, there were still three defenders around and a ball wasn't going in, meaning a yellow card should've been the maximum punishment.
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