On Tuesday, the FA of Wales overturned the sending-off after the lunge at Clarets striker Cole, who was left with a gaping wound which required 10 stitches.

Cole said after the game: "I have played at the highest level for 18 years and some muppet tries to challenge me like that.

"I only had eyes for the ball, and what disappoints me is Darren said I went over the ball, yet he must have gone higher than me.

"I am furious about it. It is one of the worst tackles I have had in my career on me.

"The bloke can't even play football. He was saying I went high, but if I did how high did he go? I have 10 stitches at the top of my shin."

Purse was stung by the criticism, but, speaking to Cardiff City's official website on Wednesday morning, he replied: "I'm delighted with the decision made by the FAW Disciplinary Panel as it means I'm available for selection for the Barnsley match on Sunday, for the FA Cup Final and the start of next season.

"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."

However, Owen Coyle was disappointed with the verdict: "I don't think surprised is the word I would use.

"It's not for me to get involved in a war of words as such, but I've seen Andrew Cole's leg, I've seen the tackle, I felt at the time the red card was justified.

"The referee was in control of the matter straight away, and he certainly felt the red card was just.

"As soon as I heard it was going to the Welsh FA, then you wonder why.

"It was only a month ago that if Cardiff were to win the FA Cup, they had to get clearance from the English FA that they would be allowed to play in Europe.

"It just seemed a little bit odd that red cards are a different matter of course.

"Having said that, I think there was only going to be one conclusion anyway when it went to the Welsh FA."