EFL have overturned red card called 'craziest of the season' which could impact promotion

The EFL have stunned fans by rescinding what appeared to be one of the most blatant red cards in recent memory.

On Saturday Doncaster Rovers played out a 2-2 draw with Gillingham on the final day of League Two.

The result meant the stretched their unbeaten run to 12 games and sees them qualify for the play-offs after finishing fourth.

They were 2-0 up in the clash before goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala was sent off.

A strike from Timothee Dieng and an own goal from Tom Anderson in quick succession denied them the win.

Lo-Tutala was given his marching orders by American referee Alex Chilowicz, a former MLS official, after handling the ball outside the area when his defender tried to head it back to him.

Rovers were set to be without their first-choice goalkeeper for the play-off semi-final first leg against Crewe Alexandra, yet they decided to appeal.

This is the most blatant red card you’ll ever see. How on earth has it been overturned?! #drfc #crewealex https://t.co/sHgcbRhCss pic.twitter.com/PO1VwbbIDp

— Red Alex (@RedAlexCrewe) May 1, 2024

And remarkably, an independent appeal ruled in Doncaster's favour and so the Hull City loanee is eligible to play at Gresty Road on Monday.

Taking to X, the club wrote: "We can confirm that the club has successfully appealed against the red card received by Thimothee Lo-Tutala against Gillingham.

"Tim will be available for selection for Monday's play-off semi-final first leg at Crewe Alexandra."

Having watched the incident back, plenty of supporters were left perplexed by the overturning.

One wrote: "This is the most blatant red card you’ll ever see. How on earth has it been overturned?!

A second said: "How has this been overturned?"

A third fumed: "Refs in this country are a joke, how’s that been rescinded."

And a fourth added: "How’s this red card been overturned?"

However, the conclusion is that although the 'keeper did clearly handle, it is not deemed to be the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity as there are three defenders and the ball wasn't quite going in the net.

A yellow card would have been the right punishment going off the rulebook.