Brad Friedel has won his appeal to have the red card received against Liverpool rescinded.

Friedel was red-carded by Martin Atkinson after he felled Fernando Torres, although replays backed up the American’s suggestion that he physically could not have avoided contact with the Liverpool striker.

The presence of a covering Nigel Reo-Coker also made the dismissal dubious, and Aston Villa confirmed on their website that their appeal has been upheld.

“An FA panel today accepted Brad Friedel’s appeal over his dismissal at Anfield on Sunday,” a statement on Villa’s official website read.

Ironically, the decision is a massive boost to Liverpool, with Friedel now able to play against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Villa goalkeeper will also be able to build on his record of 182 consecutive appearances in the top flight.