Harrington ruled eligible for Timbers on Saturday

Portland Timbers defender Michael Harrington will be eligible to play on Saturday against the Seattle Sounders.

A review panel on Thursday rescinded the one-game suspension and fine for both Harrington and for FC Dallas’ JeVaughn Watson for red cards each player was issued during the first half of last Saturday’s match at Dallas.

The Timbers and FC Dallas jointly appealed the red cards, and the review panel unanimously overturned the red cards.

The red cards were issued for the action away from the ball that was not seen on any television replays. Citing “violent conduct,” referee Sorin Stoica issued both players red cards in the 40th minute after conferring with an assistant referee.

The independent panel consists of one representative each from the U.S. Soccer Federation, Canadian Soccer Association and the Professional Referees Organization.

Prior to the red card — the first of his career — Harrington had played 1,710 consecutive MLS minutes for the Timbers at left back. The Timbers host the Sounders at noon Saturday.