LIVERPOOL are considering appealing against Joe Cole’s controversial red card against Arsenal yesterday.
Cole was dismissed on the stroke of half-time during yesterday’s 1-1 Anfield draw with the Gunners for a foul on centre-back Laurent Koscielny.
Television replays suggested Cole had been attempting to block Koscielny’s clearance and prompted debate over whether the Liverpool man was harshly treated by referee Martin Atkinson.
Cole’s dismissal – the first of his 12-year career – brought a premature end to his Premier League debut following his summer arrival on a free transfer having been released by former club Chelsea.
Red cards for violent conduct carry a three-match ban and the 28-year-old is now poised to miss next Monday’s trip to Manchester City along with Premier League clashes at home to West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City.
But Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson believes the club could yet appeal against the length of any ban.
“It will be a big loss if he’s suspended,” he said. “We will look at the video again and maybe try and find out from refs and experts if we have a case for an appeal. I don’t want a frivolous appeal.
“Cole has an unblemished record in his career, he’s had no red cards and very few yellow cards. He is not the type of player who goes in for blood-curdling tackles so hopefully people will look at it.
“The player wasn’t seriously injured and we might be fortunate enough that an appeal would go in our favour.”
Hodgson added: “Joe was devastated. His debut for Liverpool, a fantastic atmosphere, desperate to do well, not playing at the top of his game but trying to get to that level, and he gets sent off. He was saddened by it all not least because it put us in a difficult position.
“From our position on the bench I don’t think either manager could have a strong opinion on the tackle, but the replays suggest Joe was little bit unlucky.
“I don’t think he dived at the player but in front of the ball. I think Joe’s legs have got caught up with the player’s legs and could have twisted his knee, so it was a relief to see him come out for the second half.”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits Cole did not mean to intentionally foul Koscielny, who left the field on a stretcher but was fit enough to reappear for the second half before being dismissed himself late on for two bookable offences.
“Joe Cole is usually a fair player; he’s not one I would like to call as someone who tries to hurt people,” said Wenger. “It’s not his style. Maybe he was a bit rash. He kicked him accidentally.”
