FA rescinds McCartney dismissal

McCartney rejoined Sunderland from West Ham in August

Sunderland have won an appeal against George McCartney's red card shown in Saturday's defeat at Manchester City.

The 27-year-old was sent off in the 15th minute of City's 1-0 win for pulling back Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Referee Steve Tanner showed him a straight red card for "denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity".

A spokesman told the club's website they were "delighted" the appeal had been successful. McCartney will be free to play against West Ham on 4 April.

After the match, Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia said: "He made slight contact but Wright-Phillips would not have got the ball.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the sending off

"I'm dumfounded as to why he was sent off. A long debate ensued and the linesman made the decision."

The red card was overturned by the Football Association's regulatory commission.