Aston Villa midfielder has suspension rescinded after headbutt incident - and is available for Brentford clash

Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz will no longer be suspended for the Villans’ clash with Brentford on Sunday. The Brazilian has seen a claim of wrongful dismissal upheld by an independent regulatory commission - meaning his suspension is rescinded.

Luiz was sent off for violent conduct by Michael Oliver - after VAR was consulted - during Thursday night’s Premier League defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage. He will now be available for selection as Aaron Danks takes interim charge in the dugout.

The Luiz incident wasn’t the only controversial decision of the night, as Fulham were awarded a penalty for a Matty Cash handball in the second half. His arms were undoubtedly aloft, but Aleksandar Mitrovic’s cross was fired at the Polish international from very close range.

Had those two decisions gone in Villa’s favour, things could well have ended differently. It’s not just that particular fixture that the Lions have had a poor result in, though, as there have been five other defeats against the likes of West Ham, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.

Sunday’s hosting of Brentford will be the first without Steven Gerrard, who was relieved of his duties just hours after the defeat in London. Villa, who are currently sitting above the relegation zone on goals scored alone, will be hoping to bounce back and move up the league standings.