DOUGLAS LUIZ has had his ban OVERTURNED and is free to face Brentford after his successful red card appeal.
The Brazilian was initially shown red at Fulham for violent conduct as tempers flared with striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Referee Michael Oliver went to the VAR screen and deemed that Luiz had headbutted Mitrovic and gave a straight red.
But it has now been confirmed that Aston Villa have been successful in appealing the decision.
A statement read: “Douglas Luiz has seen a claim of wrongful dismissal upheld by an independent Regulatory Commission.
“The Aston Villa midfielder was sent off for violent conduct during Thursday night’s Premier League defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
“Luiz will now not serve a suspension and is available for Sunday’s fixture against Brentford at Villa Park.”
Luiz will now be available for Brentford’s trip to Villa Park on Sunday.
But he will do so without manager Steven Gerrard in the dugout, following his sacking.
The Liverpool legend was shown the door following a 3-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Gerrard leaves Villa in 16th, one place above the drop zone but only on goal difference.
Leaving the former England captain are five of his assistant coaches.
Assistant managers Garry McAllister and Neil Critchley are two of the five axed coaches.
They are joined by technical coach Tom Culshaw, head of fitness and conditioning Jordan Milson, plus first-team lead performance analyst Scott Mason.
