Purse delighted at ban reprieve

Cardiff City captain Darren Purse was relieved to have his three-match ban overturned on appeal after fearing he could miss the FA Cup final on 17 May.

Purse received a straight red card in Saturday's 3-3 draw at Burnley for a challenge on Clarets striker Andy Cole.

But on Tuesday a Football Association of Wales panel overturned the decision.

"I'm delighted with the decision as I'm available for the Barnsley match on Sunday, for the FA Cup final in May and the start of next season," Purse said.

Fomer England striker Cole needed 10 stitches in a leg wound following the challenge by Purse and publicly criticised the nature of the tackle.

But the Bluebirds centre-back says there was no malicious intent at Turf Moor, merely an honest challenge with an unfortunate outcome.

"I was disappointed with the post-match comments made by the Burnley player [Cole] to the media as it was never a malicious tackle," Purse continued in a statement released by Cardiff.

606: DEBATE
What do you think of Darren Purse's ban escape?
"It's just something that can happen in a football match.

"The correct decision has been reached and I'm happy to look forward now.

"I would also like to thank those both inside and outside of football for the support that has been given to me over the last few days."

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