Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could still face punishment for his red card against Crystal Palace, despite having his three-match ban overturned.
The 26-year-old was facing the ban for a challenge on Crystal Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne in their goalless FA Cup third-round draw last week.
It was a decision that sparked outrage among the football community and ultimately led to the FA overturning the dismissal.
But the red card could yet come back to bite Calvert-Lewin because of a little-known rule.
Though this ban was overturned, the red card stays on his record. This means if he were to get another red card this season, then he would serve an extra match ban in addition to the suspension due for any potential offence.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin could still be punished despite having his three-match ban overturned
A little known rule means Calvert-Lewin that if he were to get another red card this season, then he would serve an extra match ban in addition to the suspension for any offence
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Former Manchester United, Tottenham and Scotland forward Alan Brazil described the FA regulation as ‘bonkers’ and ‘absolute nonsense’ while speaking about the matter on talkSPORT.
Fans were also left frustrated upon learning of the rule, with one writing on social media: ‘Is there any logic to this? What on earth is this about?’
Everton fan Paul Bruns commented: ‘Absolute bonkers!! Rulebook needs rewritten that is laughable.’
Another football supporter said: ‘This is nuts. Why would an overturned red card stay on his record?’
The red card shown to Calvert-Lewin against Crystal Palace was the first of his career.
However, he will be able to play in upcoming Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa and Fulham, as well as the FA Cup replay with Crystal Palace, on the back of his red card being overturned.
Sean Dyche said after the red card: ‘We all know the outcome – they’re going to agree with everything they’ve been told (by the VAR).
Calvert-Lewin received the first red card of his career for this tackle on Nathaniel Clyne
The striker will be available for Everton’s upcoming games after the FA overturned the ban
‘I don’t know what the stats are but the chances of something getting turned down are miniscule. Why even bother?
‘I’m a fan of VAR but I just don’t get (why they go over to) look at the screen.’