Berra relief as Wolves get red card lifted

A three-man panel selected by the game's governing body voted to rescind the decision made by Oxfordshire referee Graham Scott after the tussle between Berra and Watford striker Troy Deeney.

The verdict, which was announced late yesterday afternoon, means the Scotland international is available for Saturday's home clash against Nottingham Forest, instead of serving a one-match ban.

"I'm very happy with the FA's decision," said Berra.

"You're never too sure how appeals are going to go, but I'm glad the FA decided it shouldn't have been a red card having seen the incident again.

"It's still disappointing because I was sent off early in the game and the lads had to play with 10 men for 65 minutes which made it very difficult. And we ended up losing.

"But referees have a very hard job – probably the hardest in the game. Footballers make mistakes and referees can as well and I just have to move on.

"At least now I'm available for the Forest game and can start to focus on that."

Although Berra wasn't allowed a personal hearing, Wolves' case was strengthened by them being allowed to submit as much DVD evidence as possible.

The key to Wolves' argument was the proof that Berra hadn't denied Deeney an obvious goalscoring opportunity – the basis for his sending off – as the striker got his shot away.

And they were able to provide the panel with views from two angles – the dugout and from the TV gantry much higher up in the main stand, which afforded a much wider view.

The TV footage confirmed the jostling between the two players was a case of six of one and half a dozen of the other.

Berra is now looking forward to playing a part in ending Wolves' seven-match winless run this weekend.

"We need three points on Saturday," he said. "Forest and Millwall will be tough but they're both at home and give us chance to put points on the board."