Blackburn vs West Ham: Hammers win appeal against decision to send off Cheikhou Kouyate

The 26-year-old midfielder was adjudged to have denied Rovers a clear goal-scoring opportunity

Cheikhou Kouyate is sent off at Blackburn (Getty)

West Ham United have won an appeal against the red card shown to midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate during Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round win at Blackburn Rovers.

The 26-year-old midfielder was adjudged by referee Jonathan Moss to have denied Rovers a clear goal-scoring opportunity when he brought down defender Adam Henley during the 5-1 win.

The Football Association said on its website that an independent regulatory commission had overturned the decision and withdrawn the automatic one-match suspension that accompanies the offence after West Ham appealed.

Kouyate is now available to face Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will host the Hammers in the quarter-final of the FA Cup after beating Shrewsbury Town 3-0 at New Meadow on Monday night.

In a comfortable win that eased the pressure on Louis van Gaal, United crusied to victory despite missing key players thanks to goals from Chris Smalling, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard.

The draw, which took place on Sunday, will see holders Arsenal at home against Watford should they overcome Hull City in their replay. Steve Bruce's Championship leaders held the Gunners to a 0-0 draw on Saturday afternoon.

Everton host Chelsea and Championship side Reading will entertain Crystal Palace.

West Ham, Crystal Palace and Chelsea all secured their places in the Sixth Round on Sunday following wins over Blackburn, Tottenham and Manchester City respectively.

Everton overcame Bournemouth, Watford beat Leeds and Reading - the only side outside the Premier League certain to be taking part in the quarter-finals - won 3-1 against West Brom.

FA Cup holders Arsenal, who are bidding to win the tournament for a third successive year, must face Championship high-flyers Hull in a replay following a 0-0 draw at the Emirates on Saturday.

Additional reporting by Reuters.