Liverpool confirm decision that could impact Aston Villa clash after controversial incident

Liverpool have confirmed they are appealing a red card handed to one of their stars ahead of their upcoming clash with Aston Villa.

Villa have put together a mixed start to the season, bouncing back from a thrashing at the hands of Newcastle United by delivering a thrashing of their own against Everton over the weekend. Unai Emery’s men looked as clinical as they were dangerous in their second outing of the season, and they will now look to take that level of confidence into a Europa Conference League qualifier with Hibernian ahead of taking on Burnley in the Premier League.

The weekend after that one, Villa will take on Liverpool away from home, and the Reds have enjoyed a solid start to the season.

Jurgen Klopp’s men drew with Chelsea in their season opener, and they came from behind to defeat AFC Bournemouth over the weekend. Liverpool came out on top despite losing Alexis Mac Allister to a red card in the 58th minute, with the score at 2-1. Mac Allister’s red card was a controversial one, with the Argentine’s challenge not overly dangerous.

In truth, the midfielder’s foot was a little high, and he did show his studs, but Ryan Christie’s foot was also off the ground, meaning there was no real risk of the challenge being dangerous. On the day, Mac Allister was dismissed, but former referee Dermot Gallagher has since told Sky Sports: “It’s not a red card for me. The problem here is that the referee thinks it’s a high tackle, but the only reason that happens is because both players are there.

“The boot actually catches him on the ankle. If his foot was on the ground and he caught him in the same place, it’s not a high tackle. They’ve both got their feet off the ground, not a red card for me. Liverpool would have to convince the panel it’s a clear and obvious error by the referee to win any appeal.”

Liverpool have since appealed the decision, and if they are successful, Mac Allister’s three-game suspension would be lifted, meaning he would be available to face Villa at Anfield on September 3.