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An independent commission has removed Gaetano Berardi’s suspension after the Switzerland defender was sent off against Millwall FC.
| An independent Commission has removed Gaetano Berardi’s one-match suspension with immediate effect following a claim of wrongful dismissal
— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 8, 2019
Referee James Linington was criticised throughout the media and by ex-officials for his decision to send Berardi off for “denying a goalscoring opportunity” despite: 1) Berardi making no contact with Millwall striker Tom Daley Bradshaw and 2) Kalvin Phillips being in a good position as a covering defender.
We will be appealing this on Monday pic.twitter.com/5E7t3SEefX
— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 6, 2019
Obviously the damage was done on Saturday as, although there are no guarantees Leeds would have got a result, the early red card caused Leeds United a massive problem. At least this means Berardi will be available for the home Centenary match against Birmingham City on Saturday 19th October.
“He shouldn’t be reffing. He shouldn’t be able to ref the next game. A disgrace. And if I’m getting in trouble, he should get in trouble. It’s as simple as that.” - Lee Bowyer on James Linington last season, who was the referee for Millwall v Leeds today.
— Tom Carnduff (@TomC_22) October 5, 2019
The annoying news from a Leeds perspective is that Tom Bradshaw will not face action for successfully deceiving an official despite what was clearly a dive to win a penalty.
I understand Millwall striker Tom Bradshaw will not be facing a charge of simulation.
— Adam Pope (@apopey) October 8, 2019
The FA have reviewed the penalty incident but it was felt it did not meet the threshold to refer it to the relevant panel to decide if it was successful deception of a match official. #lufc pic.twitter.com/gClvb2Nj5b