FA deny Van Aanholt involvement

The Football Association have denied claims that they advised Sunderland to withdraw Patrick van Aanholt against Tottenham.

Van Aanholt had been named in the starting XI for the Premier League tie at White Hart Lane but he was mysteriously withdrawn from the team shortly before kick-off.

On Tuesday manager David Moyes revealed he was advised not to play Van Aanholt by a cardiologist from The FA Consensus Panel, who raised concerns over tests the Netherlands international had undergone.

"He (Van Aanholt) had statutory checks with the cardiologist and an FA panel looked at it and advised us really late on Sunday that he should not play until further tests had taken place," Moyes told reporters on Tuesday.

However, the FA has claimed that the cardiologist in question does not work for the governing body.

"This cardiac screen was not conducted as part of The FA's cardiac screening programme, therefore, The FA had no involvement in the player's referral, the screening process or the communication of the results with the club," a statement read.

"On occasion, clubs may seek independent advice on a player's cardiac health from an expert cardiologist who sits on The FA Consensus Panel, which is an expert body in this area.

"Cardiologists who sit on The FA Consensus Panel are hugely respected and vastly experienced specialists who place the patient at the very centre of their care and their only concern will be in regard to the wellbeing of that individual."

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