Oakes was dismissed by the Banbury official for holding the ball outside the penalty area following consultation with referee's assistant, Dave Horlick.

He is facing suspension for the game against Middlesbrough on January 9 as a result.

But TV replays appeared to show that he may have let the ball go before his momentum carried him over the line and Gallagher has now acknowledged a "genuine error of judgment".

Philip Don "Referees do look at videos very closely" (BBC Radio 5 Live)

Premier League referees' officer Philip Don said Gallagher would now be writing to the Football Association to tell them that an error was made.

"I would expect the FA to reverse this decision once they receive Dermot's letter and his report," he said.

Oakes is the only fit senior 'keeper on Villa's books and manager John Gregory has called for video replays to be introduced to help referees with marginal decisions.

John Gregory: "Technically we can't appeal"

"Everyone seems to be on our side and if we don't get the decision reversed it will be a real slap in the face for common sense.

"But, knowing Dermot Gallagher as I do - he's a man's man - and men stand up and hold their hand up when they've made a mistake. They don't hide behind bureaucracy," said Gregory.

Mark Bosnich is currently sidelined by a shoulder injury but Gregory will not be rushed into signing a replacement.