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Vancouver Whitecaps' Kendall Waston has red card rescinded

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Atlanta 4-1 Vancouver: Martinez puts three past 10-man Whitecaps - Via MLS (1:59)

Whitecaps defender Kendall Watson was sent off early on, leaving the five stripes with plenty of opportunities to score four and bag a second straight home win. (1:59)

The red card given to Vancouver Whitecaps defender Kendall Waston last weekend has been rescinded.

Waston had been controversially sent off following a video review in the 13th minute against Atlanta United, which then converted a penalty and went on to win 4-1.

The decision to overturn the red card, made by an independent panel, means Waston, who is currently on international duty with Costa Rica, will not be suspended or fined, and he is eligible to face Columbus next weekend.

Waston was shown a yellow card by referee Ismail Elfath in the eighth minute after battling for position with Leandro Gonzalez Pirez during a free kick.

Waston initially acted as if Elfath was booking Gonzalez Pirez for simulation, but the referee then went to a video review that lasted five minutes and came back with a red for the Whitecaps defender, sparking a lengthy protest.

Josef Martinez converted the penalty for his first of three goals on the day.

"We've very happy with regards to the decision. I think common sense has prevailed," Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson told The Province. "It doesn't get the result back, but obviously it's a good outcome."