A red card issued Saturday to Seattle Sounders FC forward Obafemi Martins has been rescinded by an independent review panel.
The Major League Soccer (MLS) announced yesterday that Martins, who is tied for the team lead with four goals, will no longer be fined or face a one-game suspension, making him eligible for Saturday’s match against rivals Vancouver Whitecaps.
Seattle had to appeal the red card issued by referee Ricardo Salazar – who has made several controversial calls against the Sounders – within 24 hours of Saturday’s 2-0 road win against Chivas USA.
The decision was overturned by a review panel consisting of representatives from U.S. Soccer, the Canadian Soccer Association, and the Professional Referees Organisation (PRO).
Sounders coach Sigi Schmid declined to comment much on Salazar’s initial call.
