Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has expressed his delight after the FA confirmed that Jan Bednarek’s red card would be rescinded, making him available to play Newcastle this weekend.
The Poland international was sent off for an alleged foul on Manchester United’s Anthony Martial in the 9-0 defeat at Old Trafford in midweek in what was deemed a last-man foul to deny a goal-scoring opportunity. United were duly awarded a penalty which was dispatched with cool composure from Bruno Fernandes.
Referee Mike Dean initially awarded a penalty, and the decision was confirmed having being encouraged to consult the pitchside monitor by video assistant referee Graham Scott. Both officials will now be left red-faced as they take a spoonful of humble pie, having seen their decisions overturned in the Saints’ favour.
Hasenhuttl’s men will now have another string to their defensive bow with a consolation coming in Bednarek’s availability to face Steve Bruce’s Newcastle tomorrow.
Speaking about Bednarek’s situation, the Southampton boss said [via Southern Daily Echo]: “It was the only possible decision for us. It’s just a pity that this decision was not made during the game because maybe there would have been less drama.”
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Bednarek’s dismissal will have done little to allay the convincing nature of Manchester United’s deleterious deconstruction of the Saints.
The 24-year-old’s ban being overturned could be a boost to Hasenhuttl as he prepares for the Newcastle clash, but the real battle is how the Saints will mentally revitalise themselves after such an embarrassing scoreline on Tuesday.
Having relinquished a one-goal lead against Crystal Palace to lose 2-1, Newcastle have resumed a slump of damaging results following an outlying win at Everton last week. Bednarek now has the chance to further thwart the Magpies and enjoy a quick opportunity for redemption following his difficult night at Old Trafford.
