Real Salt Lake, USMNT midfielder Diego Luna sees red card appeal approved by independent review panel after sending off vs. Toronto FC

Real Salt Lake have successfully appealed a red card issued to forward Diego Luna this past weekend in a 1-0 loss to Toronto FC.

The U.S. international was sent off in the 61st minute of the match after a lengthy Video Review on the pitch involving a tangle of legs, and a brief altercation inside the TFC 18-yard-box. The red card was issued as a result of violent conduct.

The Independent Review Panel, consisting of one representative from the U.S. Soccer Federation, one representative from the Canadian Soccer Association and one independent representative nominated by the Professional Referee Organization, unanimously rescinded the one-game suspension and the accompanying fine.

After the match, teammate Alexandros Katranis spoke to the media, and was baffled over the decision, among others that have gone against them in recent weeks.

"It is impossible when we play 11 against 14, 15, I don't know. The VAR - two games in a row - called the referee to review his decision and you want to tell me they reviewed this today on Diego, and it's a red card?! Come on," he said.

He added, "First of all, we have a corner and the guy takes a hug to Diego, maybe he wants to kiss him, I don't know. He put him down, like we fight here, and then both of their legs get stuck, he [Luna] tries to turn, and he gets a red card?! Come on. We need to do something about that."

Luna has three goals in eight appearances so far this season for RSL. This past March, he was called up to the USMNT for the CONCACAF Nations League, where he impressed in the third-place game against Canada, recording an assist.

RSL take on San Diego FC Saturday evening in a Western Conference match. Luna will be available for selection.