Sammon off hook; Milijas loses appeal

Wigan have successfully appealed Conor Sammon's red card against Manchester United, with the Football Association confirming he will not serve a suspension.

The Irish striker was shown a straight red card during the Latics' 5-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

The decision, taken after a coming together with Michael Carrick, appeared harsh and Roberto Martinez was left less than impressed at the final whistle.

Wigan decided to contest the dismissal, confident Sammon would be spared a three-match ban.

Their efforts have proved successful and the 25-year-old will now be available to Martinez for a trip to Stoke on Saturday.

"At a Regulatory Commission hearing today, a claim for wrongful dismissal from Wigan Athletic striker Conor Sammon was upheld," read a statement released on the FA's official website.

"As a result, Sammon's three-match suspension has been withdrawn."

However, Wolves midfielder Nenad Milijas has lost his appeal against the red card he received during Tuesday's game at Arsenal and will have to serve a three-game ban with immediate effect.

The Serbia international had been hopeful of having overturned the dismissal by referee Stuart Attwell for a challenge on Gunners midfield Mikel Arteta during the second half of the 1-1 draw.

But a Football Association disciplinary committee have dismissed his appeal and his ban will begin with Saturday's Premier League bottom-four clash at Bolton.

Milijas will also be ruled out for the home league game with Chelsea on January 2 and the FA Cup third-round tie with Birmingham at St Andrew's five days later.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy will not make a comment on the FA decision until his media conference Friday ahead of the Bolton game.

But he was seething immediately after the game at Emirates Stadium.

When asked if he thought Milijas' challenge deserved a sending-off, McCarthy said: "I will go and ask Stuart (Attwell). He did what he saw but if he sees it again, then he will know that it can't be one (a red card).

"Nenad has got his foot on the ground, makes contact with the ball and I don't think he leaves the ground.

"Someone said to me that his studs were up. Well you generally do when you tackle with your foot, sliding in."