Mensah red card appeal succeeds

Mensah was sent off by referee Kevin Friend in the 82nd minute

Sunderland have successfully appealed against the sending off of defender John Mensah during Sunday’s 2-0 Premier League home defeat by Liverpool.

The Ghanaian received a straight red card – which carries an automatic one-match ban – after he collided with Reds striker Luis Suarez.

Mensah was set to miss the trip to Manchester City on 3 April.

But he will now be available after a Football Association disciplinary committee overturned the suspension.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce said: “We thank the Football Association for considering our appeal, and naturally we’re delighted John will be available for the game against Manchester City.”