BOURNEMOUTH star Evanilson has had his ban overturned after he was sent off against Manchester United.
The striker was shown a red card following a VAR review during the match, despite the incident occurring when he appeared to slip just before colliding with Manchester United`s Noussair Mazraoui.
Evanilson`s contact with the defender`s shin happened after he lost his footing.
However, referee Peter Bankes, advised by VAR, still deemed the challenge worthy of a red card, even though it wasn`t seen as intentional or malicious.
Bournemouth decided to appeal the decision, and their efforts have been successful. The FA has officially overturned Evanilson`s three-match suspension.
Despite this victory on appeal, the Cherries may still feel hard done by regarding the match itself. They played the final 20 minutes against United with only ten men, and Rasmus Hojlund managed to score a late equaliser for the visiting side.
Mark Halsey, a former Premier League referee and columnist, had previously argued that Evanilson`s challenge did not merit a red card, suggesting the original yellow card shown by Peter Bankes was the correct decision. Halsey also questioned why VAR John Brooks intervened in the first place.
Halsey commented: “Ref Peter Bankes gave a yellow card to the Brazilian — and that was the correct call, as Evanilson’s slip turned his tackle into a reckless one. It was not serious foul play.”
He added: “Why on earth did VAR John Brooks get involved? It’s a very poor decision — and Bournemouth can feel aggrieved because it changed the game and dented their European hopes.”
However, fan reaction to the ban being overturned has been divided online.
One fan expressed frustration, saying: “What a joke. Leg breaker challenge and its ok in the game. Wow!”
Another stated simply: “??? That was a clear red.”
Conversely, one fan supported the decision, commenting: “Cost Bournemouth the win that.”
