It was the first red card – and only one – of the 2013 season, but Chivas USA's Joaquín Velázquez ejection won't result in a suspension after all.
On Tuesday, an independent review panel rescinded the fine and one-game suspension for the controversial red card that Velázquez received in the 40th minute of Sunday's SuperClasico against the LA Galaxy.
Velázquez was originally shown his first yellow card of the match after a challenge on LA Galaxy midfielder Colin Clark. Then referee Ricardo Salazar followed that up by pulling out a red card. Afterward, the Professional Referees Organization (PRO) clarified that the caution card was shown by mistake and it was a straight red that was issued for the challenge.
Chivas USA made the original request to have the case reviewed by the independent panel which consists of one representative each from the U.S. Soccer Federation, Canadian Soccer Association and PRO.
