Liverpool await outcome of Doni red card appeal

Liverpool’s appeal against the red card issued to goalkeeper Doni in Tuesday’s 3-2 victory at Blackburn is set to be held later today.

The Brazilian was sent off for bringing down Junior Hoilett as he raced through on goal midway through the first half with the Reds leading 2-0.

Referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty to Rovers for the infringement only for substitute goalkeeper Brad Jones to save Ayegbeni Yakubu’s spot-kick.

Liverpool are understood to have appealed on the grounds of wrongful dismissal and that the hearing will be heard later.

However, the Football Association insist the case is not being fast-tracked in time for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Everton and is merely following their previously established disciplinary procedures.

With Jose Reina already suspended, if Doni’s appeal is dismissed then third-choice goalkeeper Jones, whose appearance at Ewood Park was his first since December 2010 and only his third in 20 months since arriving from Middlesbrough, would have to play at Wembley.