Waterford player becomes first to win appeal against a red card almost two years after system introduced

Waterford captain Darragh Leahy has become the first player to win an appeal against a red card.

The defender was dismissed by referee David Dunne five minutes before half-time for an off-the-ball incident while awaiting the delivery of a set-piece.

Footage showed that Leahy engaged in nothing more than pushing and jostling with his opponent, but the match official reached straight for his red card.

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Leahy could be seen holding his head in his hands in shock as Dunne directed him towards the touchline.

He was looking at a three-match ban, but in a statement, the League of Ireland confirmed that Waterford’s appeal was successful.

“An Independent Appeal Committee of the FAI has upheld Waterford FC’s appeal for wrongful dismissal following Darragh Leahy’s red card in Waterford FC’s Sports Direct Men’s FAI Men’s Cup game versus Athlone Town AFC on 16 August 2024,” it read.

“Accordingly, Darragh Leahy is eligible for Waterford FC’s next SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division game on 23 August 2024 versus Derry City FC.”

Waterford welcomed the decision, posting on social media: “Waterford FC welcome today’s decision from an Independent Appeal Committee of the FAI for Darragh Leahy's appeal following his red card in Friday's fixture v Athlone Town.

“As a result of the decision, Darragh will be available for our fixture vs Derry City this Friday.”

Leahy’s red card wasn’t the only controversial moment in the Blues’ 3-2 defeat. They were denied a goal when Barry Baggley bundled the ball home, only for none of the officials to spot that it had crossed the line.

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