LIVERPOOL - Liverpool have launched an appeal over Sadio Mane’s three-match ban and will argue the punishment for his red card at Manchester City is excessive.
There is no appetite at Anfield to contest the Senegal international’s sending-off in a game they went on to lose 5-0. Mane clattered into Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson and left him requiring stitches in his face. Mane took to social media on Saturday, after his side’s 5-0 defeat, to apologise and insisted the collision was "accidental".
But Liverpool believe a suspension which would rule Mane out of Premier League games against Burnley and Leicester, as well as the Carabao Cup fixture at the King Power Stadium, does not reflect the incident.
An independent regulatory committee are expected to hear the case on Tuesday. Should Liverpool be successful in their appeal, the ban could be shortened to one or two games, depending on the discretion of the panel. Mane is expected to play against Sevilla on Wednesday night when Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign at Anfield.
Ederson wants to start City’s game at Feyenoord on Wednesday. City’s medical staff spent eight minutes treating Ederson before he left the field in a neck brace and using an oxygen bag. He was checked out at the club’s medical centre nearby and tests revealed he had not suffered a concussion. That means he could be free to play in the Champions League if his facial wounds heal.
City will monitor the situation today before making a decision, and Claudio Bravo will deputise if required. Elsewhere, City are lining up a January deal for Sporting Kansas City defender Erik Palmer-Brown, who is out of contract at the end of the MLS season.