FA overturns match bans for Gibson and Cole

Everton midfielder Darron Gibson and West Ham striker Carlton Cole have had three-match bans overturned by the Football Association.

Their clubs appealed after red cards were shown during Everton's 2-1 Premier League win at Upton Park last Saturday.

Gibson is now available to face Chelsea on Sunday but is unlikely to play after picking up a thigh strain against Wigan on Boxing Day.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder will undergo a scan tomorrow to assess the damage, with fears he may face another lengthy lay-off. Cole is clear to travel to Reading with West Ham.

No action has been taken against Anthony Taylor, the referee who sent the pair off for what he perceived to be dangerous, high tackles. Taylor is scheduled to officiate the Queens Park Rangers versus Liverpool match this weekend.

An FA statement read: "The FA can confirm that red cards shown to both Carlton Cole and Darron Gibson have been rescinded. Their three-match suspensions have been withdrawn immediately and written reasons will be provided at a later date."

Sam Allardyce, the West Ham manager, welcomed the decision. "I am delighted that we have probably got a bit of justice as it deserved to be turned around," he said.

Roberto Mancini and Harry Redknapp, meanwhile, could find themselves charged by the FA after their remarks following respective defeats to Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day.

The FA has confirmed their comments are "both under consideration" given the edict to managers to refrain from openly criticising the professional standards of referees.

Mancini said of Kevin Friend following Manchester City's 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light: "The referee maybe ate too much for Christmas. He was not in good form."

Redknapp was forthright in his criticism of Chris Foy, suggesting he "should have gone to Specsavers" after his performance in West Brom's 2-1 win against QPR at Loftus Road.

"Once a year I might I might have the hump with a referee, I never knock on their door but that was poor, two vital decisions that would be so important to us went against us," Redknapp said. Both managers' statements are being assessed.