Beye ban withdrawn

8:34pm Thursday 23rd October 2008

Newcastle defender Habib Beye is free to play in Saturday's derby clash with Sunderland after an appeal against his red card on Monday evening was upheld.

The Senegal international was dismissed for a professional foul on Manchester City striker Robinho by referee Rob Styles, but the Magpies immediately launched an appeal and an FA regulatory commission heard the appeal on Thursday and found in the player's favour.

A statement said: "At a regulatory commission hearing, a claim for wrongful dismissal from Newcastle United defender Habib Beye was upheld. As a result, Beye's one-match suspension has been withdrawn."

Beye got a faint touch on the ball as he tackled Robinho just inside the area but referee Styles pointed to the spot and brandished a red card.