Boateng appeal upheld
Boateng will be available for selection after all
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Thursday, 07, Dec 2006 11:33
Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng has been successful in an appeal against the red card he was shown in the match against Tottenham on Tuesday night.
The Dutch player was sent off for violent conduct during a melee that erupted towards the end of the match, which Spurs won 2-1.
During the incident, Spurs midfielder Didier Zokora was also sent off for the same offence, although his manager Martin Jol decided against an appeal on behalf of the Ivory Coast international, saying that he "deserved it".
Replays of the incident appeared to show Zokora rushing across to defend his team-mate Aaron Lennon, who was confronted by Boateng after a rash challenge. Zokora seemed to push Boateng, although it was not clear what offence the Boro man had committed.
The Football Association confirmed that Boateng had been cleared of the violent conduct charge, which would have resulted in a four-match suspension because the player has been sent off already this season.
The news will be a boost to Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate, who had been faced with the prospect of testing trips to Fulham and Everton and home matches against Wigan and Charlton without the Dutchman.
Both Middlesbrough and Tottenham still face FA charges of failing to control their players as a result of the brawl that led to the two sending offs.