City captain Kompany wins red card appeal

Manchester City have succeeded in their appeal against captain Vincent Kompany’s sending-off in Sunday’s English Premier League win at Arsenal.

The Belgian centre-back was shown a straight red card by referee Mike Dean for a challenge on Jack Wilshere with 14 minutes remaining at the Emirates Stadium.

City were quick to announce their intention to appeal and, following a FA disciplinary hearing, have now confirmed their claim for wrongful dismissal has been upheld.

Had the appeal failed, Kompany, 26, would have been banned for Premier League games against Fulham and Queen’s Park Rangers and an FA Cup fourth-round tie.

The news will come as a big relief to manager Roberto Mancini, who is already short of central defensive options with Kolo Toure on Ivory Coast duty at the Africa Nations Cup and Micah Richards injured.

Joleon Lescott and Matija Nastasic are Manchester City’s only other fit and available centre-halves in the senior squad.

Dean’s decision was widely criticised as Wilshere had taken a heavy touch and Kompany, in lunging towards the Arsenal man, made clear contact with the ball before his opponent.

Manchester City were already 2-0 up when the incident occurred and held onto their lead without further alarm.