A-League: Jets captain cleared to play after red card cancelled

Boogaard was given a straight red card by referee Kris Griffiths-Jones for a tackle on Perth striker Andy Keogh in the 2-1 loss at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.

Replays showed that the defender had won the ball cleanly.

The match review panel agreed and rescinded the card due to an  “obvious error” clearing the way for Boogaard to play against the Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

“I back myself in that situation to win the ball,” Boogaard said. “I’m just happy that the outcome is what it is and I’m able to play. There is still a lot for us to play for in these last two games of the season. I want to be a part of that and am relieved that the match review panel saw the decision the way they did.”

Under A-League regulations, red cards can be overturned in the case of obvious error and mistaken identity. 

Brisbane’s Thomas Broich was the most recent player to have a red card cancelled after being sent off against the Jets in December 2012.

A veteran of 173 A-League games, Boogaard said he would have no hesitation in making similar tackles in the future.

“As soon as you start to doubt your ability and question your judgement, especially in those type of situations, it ends up going against you,” he said.

“You will commit fouls and make mistakes because there will be hesitation. It will not change the way I play or approach those situations. It was unfortunate that I was sent off  but I’m thankful the match review panel saw it that way and I’m able to contribute to the team away in Brisbane.”

Had the red card stood, it would have been Boogaard’s third for the season and ninth of his career –  the most of any player in the league.

Victory striker Besart Berisha is the only other player to be sent off three times in one season when playing for Brisbane Roar in in 2013-14.