HARTLEPOOL UNITED have learned that their appeal to have Nicky Deverdics' red card overturned has been successful.

The Football Association have confirmed Deverdics' sending-off in the closing stages of Saturday’s heavy defeat at Dover Athletic has been rescinded.

Deverdics was dismissed against his former club when referee Richard Hulme adjudged the left-back left his elbow in on Dover's Connor Essam.

But after reviewing footage of the incident, Pools launched an appeal with the FA.

The hearing was held this afternoon and the independent panel agreed that the contact between Deverdics and Essam was accidental.

Deverdics, 30, would have served a three-game for serious foul play but he will now be free to play in this weekend’s FA Trophy tie at Workington.

Pools youth team face Liverpool, managed by Steven Gerrard, in the FA Youth Cup at Victoria Park on Wednesday night - but the game is subject to a 1.30pm pitch inspection.