FA overturns Alex Pearce red card

Reading centre-back Alex Pearce has had his red card from the weekend overturned by the Football Association.

The Royals defender was dismissed in the ninth minute against Sheffield Wednesday for bringing down Benik Afobe in the area, a decision that led to a penalty and one that angered manager Nigel Adkins.

An FA statement today read: "Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today, Reading's claim of wrongful dismissal regarding Alex Pearce was upheld.

"Pearce was dismissed for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity during the game against Sheffield Wednesday on February 8, 2014.

"His one-match suspension has, therefore, been withdrawn with immediate effect."

Pearce will now be available for Reading's trip to Queens Park Rangers this weekend.