Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that the red card received by goalkeeper Asmir Begovic in Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat against Leeds United has been overturned on appeal.
The 36-year-old was given his marching orders in added time of the clash at Elland Road when he was adjudged to have brought down striker Patrick Bamford on the edge of the box, although replays show that there was no contact.
Begovic looked stunned to have received a straight red card, with manager Gareth Ainsworth saying in the aftermath of the defeat that he would appeal the decision;
“Asmir is devastated. He said: ‘Gaffer, I did not touch the guy’. We watched the video replay and he hasn’t.
“We have had it rough lately. I would kick myself if I didn’t look at appealing that red card for Asmir.”
Red card: rescinded ❌
Asmir is available for Saturday after our appeal for wrongful dismissal was upheld.
— QPR FC (@QPR) October 6, 2023
Continuing, the former Wycombe Wanderers boss revealed he had spoken to Bamford after the game;
“I’ve had verification from both players that there was no contact. Patrick’s a great lad, he said he jumped out the way.”
QPR will be thrilled that Begovic will now be available for tomorrow’s crucial Championship clash with Blackburn Rovers. Both clubs are in the midst of a dreadful run of form, but a win for Ainsworth’s team would see them climb above Rovers in what would be their first win since September 2nd.
Writer’s View
It’s no surprise to see that QPR appealed the decision. It was obvious from the moment that Bamford hit the deck that there was no contact and the decision is sure to be overturned on appeal.
Despite the ridiculousness of it all, the red card had no bearing on the game itself and Leeds dominated the tie from start to finish. If anything, 1-0 flattered the visitors, but it is important that Ainsworth has Begovic at his disposal tomorrow.
