Everton have successfully appealed the red card shown to Dominic Calvert-Lewin during Thursday’s FA Cup draw with Crystal Palace, meaning the striker avoids a three-match ban.
Calvert-Lewin was shown a straight red card with 11 minutes remaining as Everton held Palace to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park in the third round of the FA Cup.
The striker raised his studs in a challenge on Nathaniel Clyne but only appeared to make minimal contact with the Palace defender, seeing the ball kicked against him before recovering possession.
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Referee Chris Kavanagh dismissed Calvert Lewin after being advised to conduct a pitchside review by VAR Michael Salisbury, prompting Toffees boss Sean Dyche to criticise the use of VAR.
Speaking after the draw, Dyche said the use of VAR technology “needs tidying up” and “is beginning to test my patience”.
The club announced their intention to appeal the sending-off – the first of Calvert-Lewin’s professional career – on Friday, and it was confirmed they had been successful on Tuesday.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has had his three-match suspension for serious foul play overturned after a successful appeal.
— Everton (@Everton) JANUARY 9, 2024
A statement from the Football Association read: “Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be available for Everton’s next three games following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal.
“The striker was sent off for serious foul play in the Emirates FA Cup game against Crystal Palace on Thursday, 4 January 2024.”
Had Calvert-Lewin’s ban stood, he would have been unavailable for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa, next Wednesday’s replay with Palace and – depending on the result of that replay – either a league trip to Fulham or another FA Cup tie.
Should Everton progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup, they will host the winner of another replay scheduled for next week, between Bolton Wanderers and Luton Town.
