Orlando City captain Nani has been cleared to play in the club's final regular season match after an Independent Review Panel unanimously rescinded the one-game suspension and accompanying fine for the red card he received in the 52nd minute of Orlando’s midweek /match against the Columbus Crew SC.
Each MLS club can appeal red card suspensions, up to two unsuccessful appeals per season, including the MLS Cup Playoffs. Since Orlando’s appeal was successful, the club maintains its two unsuccessful appeals for any future red cards in the 2020 season. The Independent Review Panel consists of one representative from the U.S. Soccer Federation, one representative from the Canadian Soccer Association and one independent representative nominated by the Professional Referee Organization.
The Lions host expansion side Nashville SC on Decision Day presented by AT&T on Sunday, November 8 (3:30 p.m. ET).
Nani was sent off after Video Review in the 52nd minute of the Week 23 match against the Columbus Crew with Orlando up 1-0. The 10-man Lions would go on to win 2-1.
Referee Ramy Touchan originally showed a yellow card to Nani and changed his decision after Video Review, later explaining that he issued the straight red for "Serious Foul Play for a straight leg tackle, contact with studs above the ankle." Touchan told a pool reporter that he gave the yellow card at first because he "originally thought the contact was low on the foot and reckless."
