Luton Town have been handed a significant boost in their Championship survival push after midfielder Liam Walsh was cleared to face West Bromwich Albion this weekend.
The 27-year-old was sent off in last weekend’s heated 1-0 win over Coventry City, but the Football Association has confirmed that the red card has now been rescinded following an appeal by the club.
FA Overturns Third Red of Season for Walsh
Walsh was initially shown a straight red midway through the second half following a push on an opponent during a feisty contest that saw both sides reduced to 10 men. The sending-off was his third of the campaign, prompting an automatic ban that could have ruled him out of the Hatters’ crucial final fixture.
However, manager Matt Bloomfield immediately confirmed the club’s intention to challenge the decision, describing the dismissal as unjust.
“From my point of view we will be (appealing), absolutely. It’s not a red card, he’s barely put any hands on him. The lad’s gone down making a meal of it holding his face, it’s disappointing to see things like that.”
The successful appeal means Walsh will now be available for the high-stakes showdown at The Hawthorns, where Luton will face a West Brom side still pushing for a play-off finish. The match is set to be televised live on Sky Sports, with the Hatters backed by a sold-out away end in the Smethwick Stand.
Luton’s form has taken a dramatic upturn, with three consecutive wins against Derby, Bristol City and Coventry pulling them out of the relegation zone. They now sit a point above the bottom three heading into the final day.
Shandon Baptiste was the hero last weekend, netting a stoppage-time winner, while forwards Carlton Morris and Millenic Alli have also played pivotal roles in the resurgence. Thelo Aasgaard and Isaiah Jones have provided added spark, and the return of Jordan Clark and Kal Naismith from injury offers Bloomfield further options for the crunch clash.
Writer’s View
Getting Liam Walsh back for the West Brom trip is a massive win for Luton Town — both symbolically and tactically. Bloomfield’s men have hit form at the right time and now head into the final day with momentum, belief, and a full-strength midfield. Surviving in this league is about fine margins, and this appeal decision could be the one that makes all the difference.
