Liverpool to appeal against length of Sadio Mané’s ban after red card

Liverpool are to appeal against the length of Sadio Mané’s three-match ban for his dismissal against Manchester City.

Mané was sent off for raising his foot in a challenge with the City goalkeeper Ederson in the first half of Liverpool’s 5-0 defeat on Saturday. Mané’s boot caught Ederson in the face on the edge of City’s penalty area, and the 25-year-old was shown a straight red card by the referee Jon Moss.

Only a claim of wrongful dismissal would see Mané’s ban completely withdrawn but that is unlikely so the forward still faces at least one game out.

Ederson was taken off on a stretcher with facial injuries following the incident in the first half but is likely to return within two weeks according to Pep Guardiola.

Liverpool have the option to claim the ban represents excessive punishment and intend to do so. A successful appeal would see Mané’s ban reduced by either one or two matches.

Jürgen Klopp initially said Liverpool were unlikely to appeal against the suspension. “It would be another waste of time, like the game today,” he said.

“I think everyone knows [Mané] didn’t see the goalie. There was not one second he looks on the goalie. He just wanted to get the ball as soon as possible. Hopefully the goalie is not seriously injured.

“Sadio is very upset. We couldn’t keep him – he was shocked about the situation. I am sure also about the decision.”

If the appeal fails, Mané will miss the home league game against Burnley on 16 September, as well as two trips to Leicester City – the Carabao Cup tie on 19 September and the Premier League match four days later.

(GUARDIAN)