(Jack Harrison will be able to play against Columbus Sunday. Photo courtesy of MLS)
NEW YORK — Even without playing a game Tuesday, New York City FC recorded a vital victory off the field.
It won its appeal of Jack Harrison’s red card in its 2-1 road loss at the New England Revolution Sunday. An independent panel ruled on the appeal.
Translated: the English forward will be able to play against Columbus Crew SC in the regular-season Major League Soccer finale for both teams.
Referee Nima Saghafi awarded forward Jack Harrison his marching orders for a rough tackle on Teal Bunbury in the 26th minute. There was no score at the time as City was forced to play the rest of the match a man down.
Harrison scored twice for NYCFC in a 3-2 win over Columbus earlier this season.
“It was a ridiculous red card,” NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira said after the game. “I see it again at halftime, I see it again after the game and I still don’t understand the decision of the referees. He tried his best to have a good game, and I think his performance wasn’t the best part of the game. Today, it was against us. The sending off changed the feel of the game.”
The independent panel, consisting of one representative from the U.S. Soccer Federation, one representative from the Canadian Soccer Association and one representative from the Professional Referee Organization, unanimously voted to rescind the one-game suspension and accompanying fine for the red card.
Each club is entitled to two unsuccessful appeals per season, including playoffs. Since NYCFC’s appeal was successful, the team maintains two unsuccessful appeals for any future dismissals in this season.
