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Friedel was given a straight red card during Aston Villa's 5-0 defeat by Liverpool on Sunday for bringing down Fernando Torres in the penalty area when the Spaniard was through on goal.

The FA upheld Villa's appeal and the American's red card was wiped out with reports emerging the decision had provoked a concerned response from senior referees.

Friedel

Reprieved: Brad Friedel will not be suspended over his red card against Liverpool Photo: REUTERS

The Premier League admitted the Professional Game Match Officials Board - the body that represents elite referees - has written to the FA but denied there was any "major row".

A Premier League spokesman said: "The PGMO have sought clarification from the FA on the reasons why the appeal panel found against the referee.

"Through a letter to the FA the PGMO just want to be sure to get all the detail on why the appeal panel found the way they did.

"Throughout the season you've got a number of different appeals that go forward and it's important the referees get to the bottom of precisely why the panel will have found in the way it did."

Friedel record streak of 182 straight games without injury, suspension or omission looked set to end after he was sent off. But after avoiding a ban he will now be available to boost Villa for the final eight matches of the season.

"I'm delighted for Brad and pleased with the decision overall," said Villa manager Martin O'Neill. "From Brad's viewpoint, I don't think he went out and made a deliberate attempt to upend him."

The Telegraph

Senior refeerees have written to the Football Association for an explanation after Brad Friedel's red card was rescinded.