Raphe Brown is free to play in Maidstone’s FA Cup tie against Stevenage after the club won an appeal against his Boxing Day red card.

Defender Brown faced missing this weekend’s third-round clash after picking up a second booking in the 1-1 draw at Tonbridge.

But the caution has been revoked after the FA’s regulatory commission upheld United’s claim of mistaken identity.

Brown, who had been substituted, was incorrectly picked out by the linesman following a melee in front of the Maidstone dugout after Tonbridge’s late equaliser.

He was sent off by referee Nick Dunn despite Timmy Abraham - the real culprit - admitting his guilt.

Yellow cards can only be appealed in cases of mistaken identity and justice has prevailed.

“Everyone stood up, including myself, but a few players actually engaged in talking and tussling,” said Brown at the time.

“I just stood up. I didn’t touch anyone, didn’t engage.

“The lino said he saw my number but I had my coat on with a bib over my coat so he can’t have done.

“He was guessing, saying it was him, him, him.

“He didn’t really know. He made a guess and I got a second yellow card. It’s ridiculous.”