James wins red card appeal
Robins keeper free to feature in crucial Palace clash
Last Updated: January 18, 2011 4:16pm
James: Successful appeal
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Bristol City goalkeeper David James is available to face Crystal Palace after winning his appeal against the red card he was shown on Saturday.
The former England international was sent off in stoppage-time during the Robins' 4-0 home defeat by Middlesbrough.
James was deemed to have fouled Cameron Park and referee Darren Drysdale awarded a penalty that Leroy Lita converted to complete the scoring.
City felt three defenders had got back to cover so a straight red card was too harsh, and the FA's disciplinary panel has agreed by upholding the appeal.
James, 40, had been set for an immediate one-match ban but can now be selected for Saturday's trip to Selhurst Park.
That is a welcome boost for 17th-placed City as victory for third-bottom Palace would see them go within three points of the Robins.
David James
