• Premier League

Zabaleta avoids suspension

ESPNsoccernet staff
January 7, 2011
Pablo Zabaleta was sent off during Manchester City's 0-0 draw at Arsenal © PA Photos
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Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta will be available to face Leicester Ciy in the FA Cup on Sunday after his red card was overturned by the Football Association.

Zabaleta was shown red by referee Mike Jones following an altercation with Bacary Sagna during their 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Wednesday night, but City have succeeded in having his three-match ban overturned following an appeal.

Both players were sent off but Arsenal ruled out an appeal against Sagna's dismissal after admitting the player had been overly aggressive.

An FA statement read: "At a Regulatory Commission hearing today, a claim for wrongful dismissal from Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta was upheld. As a result, Zabaleta's three match suspension has been withdrawn."

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