Football Ferns captain gets red card reversed

4:03 pm on 9 August 2016

New Zealand Women's Football coach Tony Readings is thrilled the red card handed out to captain Abby Erceg has been overturned, meaning she can compete in their next Olympic match.

The Football Ferns captain Abby Erceg controls the ball vs Colombia at the Rio Olympics.

The Football Ferns captain Abby Erceg controls the ball vs Colombia at the Rio Olympics. Photo: Photosport

Erceg was sent off in the 86th minute in the team's 1-nil win over Colombia when she was deemed to have denied the opposing team a clear goal scoring opportunity.

New Zealand Football appealed the decision and the FIFA Disciplinary Committee overturned it, deciding the referee had made an obvious error.

Erceg's automatic suspension for their next match against France tomorrow is no longer valid and Readings said it was the best news.

"It means a massive amount for the team and probably more so, just really pleased for Abby because she is a massive part of this team, the most experienced player, very professional in what she does. It would have been very undeserved if she wasn't able to play in this next game."

If New Zealand beat World No 3 France tomorrow, they will confirm their place in the quarterfinals.

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