The Newcastle defender was dismissed for a professional foul on Manchester City's Robinho and Styles, one of the League's most experienced officials, refused to rescind the red card despite a plea by Newcastle interim manager Joe Kinnear.

But Newcastle appealed to the FA disciplinary committee who backed the Newcastle full back and he is free to play in Saturday's derby at Sunderland.

A friend of Styles said: 'Not only is Rob a top referee but in order to officiate at the top you need a great deal of resolve.

He has had good support from his family and friends and that is what is keeping him in the game at the moment.

'But nobody would be surprised if that situation was to change because despite his love for the game there is only so much he can take.