The Wellington Phoenix midfielder Nick Ward has been cleared to play in the club's A-league football clash in Perth on Sunday.
Ward was shown a straight red card by referee Matt Gillett in the closing stages of the Phoenix 2-nil win over Newcastle Jets on Sunday, ruling that the player had fouled to prevent a clear scoring opportunity.
The Phoenix appealed, believing the referee had made an error in that there were other defenders between the Jets player and the goal.
The A-League match review panel met in Sydney today and upheld the club's appeal.
The red card was rescinded leaving Ward free to play against the Glory.
Coach Ricki Herbert says he's pleased for both the player and the club, with the Phoenix battling to put a full squad together in the face of a mounting injury list and a one-match suspension for midfielder Tim Brown.
