Friedel and McCartney red cards rescinded

Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel and Sunderland defender George McCartney have had red card decisions overturned in their favour.

Friedel was sent off during Aston Villa's 5-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday. He was adjudged to have brought down Fernando Torres as the Spanish striker closed in on the American's goal. Steven Gerrard scored from the resultant penalty.

Friedel will now be available for their next Barclays Premier League game at Manchester United on 5 April.

Sunderland's McCartney was sent off after just 15 minutes against Manchester City at the weekend. The referee, Steve Tanner, adjudged the defender to have pulled back Shaun Wright-Phillips when the City winger burst through on goal.

McCartney will be free to play against former club West Ham when the Premier League resumes after the international break.