Pascal Struijk red card overturned after VAR controversy as Brighton beat Sunderland

Struijk red card overturned after VAR intervention

The red card shown to Brighton defender Pascal Struijk during his side's 2-0 win at Sunderland has been overturned following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal, clearing the way for the defender to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend.

Struijk was sent off after 57 minutes of Saturday's match at the Stadium of Light when he was adjudged to have fouled Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor as he tried to run on to a through-ball. Neither referee Thomas Bramall nor his assistant initially gave a foul, but video assistant referee Neil Davies intervened and called the on-field official to the screen.

After watching the replay multiple times, Bramall showed Struijk a straight red card for denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity. The decision was greeted with disbelief by the Brighton players.

Appeal succeeds

The decision has now been reversed, meaning Struijk will not have to serve a one-match suspension. Struijk joined Brighton from Leeds in a £20m move during the summer and was making only his second Premier League start for his new club.

Brighton win despite the dismissal

Despite playing the final part of the match with a man fewer, Brighton went on to win 2-0 and continue their strong start to the season. The Seagulls are third in the Premier League table, five points behind leaders Manchester City.