Blackpool will have their captain available for Saturday's League One fixture at Brisbane Road after the Football Association overturned George Honeyman's suspension. The FA's regulatory commission ruled on Tuesday that his dismissal against Cambridge United was wrongful, rescinding an automatic three-match ban.
The 32-year-old midfielder was sent off in the sixth minute of Blackpool's 1-0 defeat last Saturday, just minutes into his return from a five-and-a-half week injury absence. Referee Lewis Sandoe showed a straight red card for violent conduct, a decision head coach Ian Evatt immediately said the club would appeal.
An FA statement confirmed the successful appeal, saying "Blackpool’s George Honeyman will be available for their next three matches following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal." Evatt had argued the club would appeal against "the 32-year-old’s dismissal, which came in his first match back after five-and-a-half weeks out."
His return is a significant boost for Blackpool, who sit 18th in the table, as they prepare for their visit to face Leyton Orient. The O's, currently 12th with 11 points, are looking to build on a recent home draw in their fixtures. The last meeting between the sides at Brisbane Road ended in a 1-1 draw. Richie Wellens's side will now prepare to face a Blackpool team with their experienced leader reinstated in midfield for the 17 October clash.
Blackpool's recent form has been a concern, with the team losing three of their last four league matches. They have also struggled for goals, scoring just once in their last 270 minutes of football. In contrast, Leyton Orient have found the net in each of their last three outings, though they have only managed one win in that period. The availability of Honeyman, a key creative force, could be key in addressing Blackpool's goal drought as they seek to improve their league position.
