Tomas Martinez red card overturned by independent panel

It took less than 24 hours for the independent panel to overturn the controversial red card issued by referee Joseph Dickerson to Tomas Martinez in Wednesday night’s 3-1 loss against Philadelphia. Dickerson issued the card to Tomas Martinez in the 59th minute and effectively appeared to influence the outcome of the match.

The Houston Dynamo immediately appealed the card following the match and, just like a red card earlier in the season against Alejandro Fuenmayor was rescinded, the appeal was upheld.

The Dynamo organization was pleased with the reversal but disappointed that it even had to come to such a step.In an exclusive with DynamoTheory.com, Dynamo president Chris Canetti shared some thoughts about the whole incident.

“We simply filed an appeal, and the evidence to support our position was the video. A review of the video evidence was all it took to demonstrate our argument that it was an incorrect call.”

As for the outcry against the officiating in Major League Soccer, Canneti shared this;

“I believe that the league, along with PRO and US Soccer, is committed to developing referees. There are many things that go into that process.”

Since Houston won their appeal they retain the ability to appeal two more red cards this season should they need to.

Houston returns to action Saturday night in Portland. Kick-off with the Timbers is set for 10pm CDT. The game will shown on KUBE 57.