Watford’s Jose Holebas cleared to face Manchester City in FA Cup final after red card rescinded

The defender was sent off against West Ham on the final day of the season

Jose Holebas’ red card during Watford’s final-day defeat to West Ham has been overturned, meaning the defender is clear to start for the Hornets in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

The 34-year-old veteran was sent off after the referee judged him to have pulled down Michael Antonio 18-yards out from goal, however, the contact appeared to be very minimal.

Watford immediately appealed the red card on Monday morning with the FA now confirming that the club's appeal has been upheld.

An FA statement read: “An Independent Regulatory Commission has today [13/05/2019] upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal regarding Jose Holebas.

“The Watford player was sent off against West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday [12/05/2019] for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity.”

Holebas has been a regular in Watford's starting line-up throughout the season and manager Javi Gracia was incensed that the Greek defender may miss the club's first FA Cup final appearances since 1984.

Holebas is sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh (Getty) (etty)

“In my opinion, I can't believe one player will miss the final for that contact," Gracia said after the game.

"Maybe it is a foul, soft foul, light foul but I can be angry with that decision. In this moment it is difficult to accept knowing you have an important game next week.”