By Fab4.
The FA have announced they have rejected Arsenal’s appeal against Thomas Vermaelen’s sending off against West Ham. Vermaelen was sent-off after being adjudged to have brought-down Hammers striker Franco inside the box. The defender will be suspended for one game and will now miss Arsenal’s game against Birmingham on Saturday.
The statement read:
“At a Regulatory Commission hearing today, a claim for wrongful dismissal from Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen was dismissed.
“Vermaelen was shown a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity during Arsenal’s match against West Ham United on Saturday 20 March.”He will now serve a one match suspension with immediate effect.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was hopeful he could call upon Vermaelen as William Gallas is still struggling with a calf injury and Sol Campbell can’t be relied upon to complete 2 games in 4 days, and Wenger would want a fit Campbell for Arsenal’s Champions League match against Barcelona the following Wednesday, leaving Mikel Silvestre as their only recognised centre back. Although he has hinted he could use Alex Song at centre half after his impressive second half display against West Ham.
I don’t really know why we bothered to appeal, the FA never change their minds on these kind of things. They don’t like to admit their referee’s get it wrong. So no Vermaelen for Birmingham away, but Song and Silvestre should be able to keep them at bay. I really don’t see Arsene picking Sol with the Barcelona game a few days later, if he does maybe it’s a sign of where his loyalty’s lay this season.
Should the FA have accepted Arsenal’s appeal and let Vermaelen off? Please leave your comments below……
