Zabaleta given all-clear

The Football Association have rescinded the red card shown to Pablo Zabaleta during Manchester City’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Wednesday.

Zabaleta was dismissed late in the English Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium after a confrontation with Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna.

Sagna squared up to Zabaleta after receiving a heavy challenge from the Argentina defender, who proceeded to push the Frenchman in the chest.

Both were sent off by referee Mike Jones, but City appealed on the grounds that Sagna was the aggressor.

“Pablo Zabaleta’s red card at Arsenal on Wednesday night has been overturned on appeal by the Football Association,” City said in a statement on Friday.

“At a Regulatory Commission hearing today, a claim for wrongful dismissal from Zabaleta was upheld.”

“As a result, Zabaleta’s three-match suspension has been withdrawn and the Argentine defender is now available to face Leicester City in the FA Cup on Sunday.”

Arsenal chose to not to appeal the dismissal of Sagna.