An independent regulatory commission today heard his appeal and reduced the penalty to one match, which means he will sit out Sunday’s home clash with title-chasing Manchester United.

An FA statement said: “An independent regulatory commission today heard a claim for excessive punishment from Sunderland AFC in relation to Alan Hutton’s dismissal against Hull City on April 24, 2010.

“Following his dismissal for violent conduct in the fixture, a commission has found the claim upheld and has reduced the sanction to a one-match suspension to begin with immediate effect.”

Hutton was dismissed, along with Hull's Jozy Altidore, by referee Lee Probert at the end of the first half during his side's 1-0 win at the KC Stadium.

The full-back threw the ball at the American after a rugged challenge on the sideline, and the striker reacted furiously, thrusting his head into Hutton’s face.

At his post-match press conference, Black Cats boss Steve Bruce expressed his astonishment that his player received the same punishment as Altidore.

He said: “Alan Hutton was arguably a bit silly to have thrown the ball at his back, but it’s not going to do any real damage to him.

“The incident after that is totally ridiculous. Hutton’s got a cut eye, a smashed nose and a chipped tooth, so he’s close to having really serious facial injuries.

“That, for me, doesn’t warrant the same punishment, but the letter of the law is if you throw the ball I do believe it’s a red card.

“It’s GBH, not a sending-off. I like Altidore, but you don’t want to see that.”

Hutton will now have to watch the United game from the stands, but will be available for the final day trip to Wolves.