Boost for Watford as defender is cleared to face Arsenal

Watford’s appeal over the red card shown to Christian Kabasele during the Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham on Wednesday night has been successful.

Kabasele was sent of by referee Lee Mason for a foul on Dele Alli in the 81st minute at Stadium MK, with the Spurs midfielder scoring the resulting penalty.

A statement from the Football Association read: “Christian Kabasele’s one-match suspension has been withdrawn with immediate effect after his wrongful dismissal claim was upheld.

“The Watford player had been sent-off for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday (26/09/18).”

Kabasele will now be available to play in Saturday’s Premier League match at Arsenal.

Alli converted the resulting penalty, before Spurs then quickly went 2-1 ahead through Erik Lamela, only for Watford to equalise through Etienne Capoue, against his old club.

The tie was settled on spot-kicks, which Spurs won 4-2.

Speaking after the match, Watford manager Javi Gracia said: “I think we played very well and I would like to respect the referee’s decision and to support them because I know it is not easy.

“But it is hard to accept, first the penalty and then the red card – I don’t understand that decision. I don’t understand why the referee showed the red card.”