Darren Purse, the Cardiff City defender, has thanked the Welsh FA (FAW), after they decided to overturn a suspension that would have kept him out of the FA Cup Final.

Purse was shown a red card during Saturday's 3-3 draw at Burnley, after a tackle with Andy Cole, the former Manchester United forward. Cole need 10 stitches in a leg wound following the tackle, and described Purse as a "muppet" in a post-match interview. Dave Jones, the Cardiff manager, said that it was Cole's reaction, and not the tackle itself that prompted the referee to send Purse off, however Cole hit back saying: "It's David Jones who should take a long hard look at himself, after the career I have had what he thinks is irrelevant."

Purse would have missed the club's trip to Wembley had the suspension been upheld, but FAW's decision means that not only will Purse be available on May 17, but he could also play against Barnsley on Sunday.

He said: "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 said. "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."