Henderson red card rescinded by FA

Last updated : 15 March 2005 By Simon Head

Henderson: Ready to lead the line against Stoke

Henderson, who along with Leeds fullback Michael Gray, was sent off by referee Mark Cowburn after a melee ensued when the two clashed on the touchline in the second half at Elland Road.

Talking to the official Gillingham website, Gills chairman Paul Scally said, "We are firmly of the opinion that Darius was the innocent party in the altercation and lodged an appeal in a bid to overturn a pending three match suspension, which would come into play tonight.

"Even their player Gray admitted to a national newspaper that it was probably his fault for getting up off the floor so quickly and also said how silly he had been for choosing to retaliate."

Henderson has been cleared of the charge of violent conduct and is now free to play in tonight's match with Stoke City at Priestfield.

The news comes as a huge relief to Gills fans, as Hendo's form has been a major factor in Gillingham's resurgence in recent weeks and he is now free to resume his partnership with Mama Sidibe in the Gills frontline.