Soccer: Glory's Mehmet free to play

Players argue with referee Strebre Delovski after he gave Billy Mehmet of the Glory a straight red card. Photo / Getty Images

Perth Glory striker Billy Mehmet is free to take on Brisbane Roar on Wednesday after his red card was overturned by Football Federation Australia.

Mehmet was sent off in the 33rd minute of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle for a two-footed challenge on Jets defender Tiago Calvano.

The drama came after Mehmet opened the scoring in the ninth minute, with Perth playing out the rest of the match with just 10 men.

The FFA's match review panel (MRP) on Tuesday reviewed video evidence of the incident and decided that referee Strebre Delovski's decision to eject the 27-year-old from the game was wrong.

The MRP unanimously found the referee's decision was one ``no referee in the possession of the facts, including all broadcast footage, could reasonably have made.''

Mehmet's availability is sure to be welcome news to embattled Glory coach Ian Ferguson, with Perth to also regain suspended defender Josh Mitchell for the Brisbane clash at nib Stadium.

- AAP