Jose Holebas’ red card during Watford’s final-day defeat to West Ham has been overturned, meaning the defender is clear to start for the Hornets in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
The 34-year-old veteran was sent off after the referee judged him to have pulled down Michael Antonio 18-yards out from goal, however, Tv replays showed the contact appeared to be very minimal. Watford immediately appealed the red card on Monday morning with the FA now confirming that the club’s appeal has been upheld.
Speaking after the game on BBC Match of the Day West Ham captain Mark Noble said ”When the ball goes in behind he (Antonio) is so quick and strong. I feel bad for the lad (Holebas) because of the (FA Cup) final, does he miss that? It’s horrible to see that, worked so hard to get to the final and you can’t play in it.”
I am pleased, as a WHU fan. Falling down after a breath of wind seems the norm, these days. Maybe we should change the words from football to ‘grass diving’.
Still think it was a red – minimal or not, there was contact and it impacted on Antonio being able to recover from his wayward touch – but sense has prevailed, and I’m glad Cholevas gets to play in the final. At any age it would be gutting, but at 34, he won’t get many more chances, you’d think. Fair play to the FA for applying some common sense for once.
VAR next season it will stop a lot of doubt about decisions like this .?If we had VAR this year I make it we would of had an additional six points . So a good thing I think and will hopefully stop big team bias from officials . COYI