Jordan Rhodes: Blackpool appeal upheld over striker's red card against Portsmouth
Last updated on .From the section Blackpool
Blackpool have won their appeal against the red card shown to top scorer Jordan Rhodes in Saturday's draw with League One leaders Portsmouth.
Rhodes was adjudged to have led with his left arm in an aerial challenge with visiting defender Joe Rafferty two minutes before half-time.
It was the first time Rhodes had been sent off in his 17-year career.
But Blackpool's appeal for wrongful dismissal was upheld by an independent regulatory commission.
Manager Neil Critchley said following the game he was "completely shocked" by the decision and called for a quick resolution of the issue as the Seasiders are away at Northampton on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).
"I was actually turning to the fourth official to complain that it should have been a foul for us because he'd missed a clear pull on Jake Beesley," Critchley told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"When I turned to look back to the pitch, I saw the referee holding a red card. I thought I must have missed an off-ball incident. I was in shock, I couldn't believe it."
He added: "Joe Rafferty - the experienced campaigner that he is - rolled around on the ground quite a few times and made the situation worse.
"They are going to make mistakes - I make mistakes, we all make mistakes - but if you close your eyes to it and don't accept and admit it, in my opinion you keep making these mistakes again because you blame someone else."
Huddersfield Town loanee Rhodes, 34, is the only player to have reached double figures in goals this season for Blackpool, who will start their match against the 11th-placed Cobblers four points outside the play-off places.
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