John Potter red card reduced to yellow under new fast-track system

Dunfermline defender John Potter has praised referee George Salmond and the SFA's new fast-track appeals procedure after his red card was downgraded to a yellow, freeing him up to play against Dundee United tomorrow.

Potter was sent off in the second half of last weekend's Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash at St Johnstone for a foul on Francisco Sandaza, with the subsequent penalty saved as the visitors held on to a 1-0 win.

The SFA's new independent appeals panel was set up to help speed up the process after a review of their rules, with Potter an early beneficiary. With Salmond admitting he had shown the wrong colour of card, Dunfermline's claim of wrongful dismissal was upheld by the judicial panel fast track tribunal, and the offence was reduced to a caution for unsporting behaviour (deliberate tripping).

"I'm obviously delighted that it has been reduced to a yellow and that I won't be missing any games," said Potter.

"I thought it was a bit harsh at the time and I am thankful that the panel thought that.

"I know some referees wouldn't have admitted to making a mistake so I am thankful to him for doing that. And it's the way appeals should have been done. The appeal goes in and on the Thursday it is all done and dusted - simple as that. It's a good thing."

Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre concurred, saying: "I'm delighted. The panel agreed with our take on it that there was sufficient cover and it wasn't a goalscoring opportunity, so we are really pleased with that."

The appeal made by Inverness for wrongful dismissal following Ross Tokely's ejection in last weekend's loss to Rangers was dismissed. Tokely will serve a one-match SPL ban, effective immediately. He misses tomorrow's match with Aberdeen.