Breen will play this weekend

Readytogo.net understands that skipper Gary Breen will be eligible to play for Sunderland in this weekend's home league fixture against Derby County, despite his controversial dismissal on Tuesday night.

Breen and Sheffield United striker Andy Gray were both red-carded for an alleged off-the-ball incident which the referee and even the official match observer didn't see, but which the assistant linesman said at the time was a sending-off offence.

Both Mick McCarthy and United gaffer Neil Warnock have officially appealed against the dismissals, and the case is expected to be heard next Tuesday. Radio commentary supplied by BBC Radio Newcastle will form at least part of the evidence in Breen's defence.

However it appears that despite new disciplinary rules for this season meaning that bans commence from the match immediately after the offence was committed, the rules also provide for a player to continue to play inbetween lodging an official appeal and that appeal being heard:

Automatic suspensions for incidents seen and dealt with by the referee: suspensions will now come into effect immediately, unless a claim for wrongful dismissal or mistaken identity is lodged. Clubs must notify The FA by 12 noon the next working day of their intention to submit a claim for wrongful dismissal or mistaken identity. The claim itself (along with relevant documentation/videos/fee, etc.) must be lodged by 12 noon the following working day. All claims will be dealt with within four to five working days of a fixture. No Video Advisory Panel: claims go straight to Commissions. Players are permitted to play while their claims are being considered.