It was widely reported that the deadline for the appeal against Keane’s five-match ban passed on Friday but this has now been extended due to an oversight by the FA.
Keane is expected to accept the ban yet Michael Kennedy has pointed out to the FA that the wording of their original letter stated that any appeal must be lodged within fourteen days of receipt of the FA’s letter and not fourteen days from the date of the disciplinary tribunal.
The FA had stated on their official website that the ban would take effect from November 4 and have had to climb down. As Keane is unlikely to be available for selection until after Christmas the extra few days won’t effect his return to active duty though both Keane and Ferguson will no doubt be relishing the discomfiture displayed in the following FA statement:
"We can confirm that, in accordance with the statutes of the game, clubs and players are entitled to request an explanation of any disciplinary decisions taken against them by the FA.
"This option was utilised by Roy Keane following his hearing and a detailed letter of explanation regarding the decision was sent to him on 24 October. The player and club have 14 days to appeal against the decision from the date of receipt of that letter."