APOLOGETIC PEREIRA IS HANDED A STAY OF EXECUTION FOR CLASH

VITOR PEREIRA has been handed a stay of execution after holding his hands up and apologising for his role in the latest ‘ballgate’ incident.

- BY JASON MELLOR

The Wolves boss will be in the dugout at Sunderland despite the threat of a touchline ban after his red card for kicking a spare match ball away in frustration during the draw against Brighton.

He has until Monday to respond to the FA misconduct charge — leaving him free to lead the team at the Stadium of Light as the Premier League's bottom club go in search of a first win of the season on Wearside.

Pereira's (above) potential carpeting comes after Chris Wilder was similarly charged when the Sheffield United boss was sent off for launching a ball into the stand during the Blades’ Championship defeat to Southampton at Bramall Lane.