Pascal Struijk absence explained for Brighton vs Crystal Palace despite successful red card appeal
Brighton & Hove Albion defender Pascal Struijk has been ruled out of today's Premier League clash against arch-rivals Crystal Palace, despite having his red card against Sunderland overturned.
The Dutch defender had been expected to be available for the eagerly anticipated derby at the Amex Stadium – after Brighton successfully appealed his dismissal during last Saturday's 2-0 victory at Sunderland.
However, Struijk is not included in Fabian Hurzeler's matchday squad, with captain Lewis Dunk returning to the starting XI in his place.
According to The Athletic's Brighton correspondent Andy Naylor, the former Leeds United defender has been dealing with slight fitness issues.
Naylor wrote: "Brighton revert to the team that beat Sunderland 2-0 away in the last Premier League fixture, apart from Dunk for Struijk. Latter is not in the squad (he's had slight fitness issues)."
Struijk's absence comes just days after the Seagulls received a boost when an independent Regulatory Commission upheld their appeal against his controversial dismissal at the Stadium of Light.
The defender was shown a straight red card by referee Thomas Bramall following a VAR review after tangling with Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor.
Bramall initially allowed play to continue but reversed his decision after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, ruling that Struijk had denied an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
Brighton boss Hürzeler was furious with the decision, questioning why VAR had intervened when he believed there had been no clear and obvious error.
The club subsequently appealed, arguing against the dismissal amid doubts over whether Isidor would have reached the ball before Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The appeal was successful, meaning Struijk avoided a one-match suspension and was eligible to face Palace.
Brighton confirmed: "Following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal, the red card has been rescinded and Struijk will now be available for selection for Sunday's fixture against Crystal Palace."
Former England striker Alan Shearer had also criticised the original decision.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer said: “I thought it was the wrong decision. He should have stuck with his original decision.
“He had a good view of it at all. He didn't whistle for the foul and the goalkeeper is getting that ball, not Isidor."
Despite Struijk's absence, Brighton have named a strong side as they look to continue their impressive Premier League form.
Hurzeler has made just one change from the starting XI that defeated Sunderland, with Dunk returning to captain the side.
The German head coach made eight changes for Thursday's 4-0 UEFA Conference League victory over Kauno Zalgiris, but has reverted to his established Premier League line-up for the visit of Palace.
Brighton enter the contest sitting third in the Premier League following three consecutive league victories, while their impressive recent form provides a stark contrast to the difficult atmosphere surrounding their previous encounter with their fierce rivals.
Brighton starting XI: Verbruggen, Boscagli, Vuskovic, Dunk, Kadioglu, Gross, Andres, De Cuyper, Ayari, Gomez, Kostoulas
Subs: Steele, Hadjam, Svobada, Hinshelwood, Yalcouye, Costinha, O'Riley, Osman, Rutter
Crystal Palace starting XI: Benitez, Canvot, Ahanor, Richards, Mitchell, Timber, Wharton, Kamada, Khalaili, Pino, Strand Larsen
Subs: Matthews, Mingueza, Osorio, Lerma, Hughes, McNeil, Sarr, Nketiah, Mateta