Defensive boost for Fulham as Joachim Andersen cleared to face Southampton as red card overturned

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Fulham will have Joachim Andersen available for their Boxing Day clash against Southampton after his dismissal in last weekend’s draw at Newcastle United was successfully appealed.

The Danish centre-back has been one of the west London club’s top performers since he signed on loan from Lyon at the start of October.

Referee Graham Scott red-carded Andersen after a VAR review of his foul on Callum Wilson, who was through on goal.

Fulham boss Scott Parker was fuming at the official’s call. He said: “For what I have just seen the contact was made outside of the box and he [Wilson] then goes into the box and dives.

“Referees make mistakes, I totally get that. But we have VAR and we are still making incorrect decisions and that’s puzzling.”

Andersen and Tosin Adarabioyo have firmly established themselves as Scott Parker’s first-choice central defensive options.

Fulham’s upturn in form has coincided with a switch to a back three with Ola Aina, normally a right-sided full-back or wing-back, played in the middle as well.