Purse opens up after red card rescinded

Last updated : 01 May 2008 By Michael Morris
As previously reported Purse was given his marching orders after a challenge on Andy Cole that left him needing 10 stitches in a leg wound.

Cole had his say afterwards and labelled Purse a "muppet" for the tackle.

Now though the red card has been quoshed and Purse is free to play on Sunday, if selected, against Barnsley and then the big one. The FA Cup Final.

"I'm delighted with the decision made by the FAW disciplinary panel concerning the red card incident as it means that I'm available for selection for the Barnsley match on Sunday, for the FA Cup final in May and the start of next season," he told the club's official website.

"I was disappointed with the post-match comments made by the Burnley player to the media as it was never a malicious tackle. It's just something that can happen in a football match.

"The correct decision has been reached and I'm happy to look forward now, while I would like to thank those both inside and outside for football for the support that has been given to me over the last few days."