Liverpool to Appeal Curtis Jones Red Card
Liverpool are set to appeal the red card shown to midfielder Curtis Jones during Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Tottenham, with the 22-year-old facing a three-match ban.
Jones was sent off midway through the first half of a controversial defeat in north London, having been initially shown a yellow card. A VAR check saw the initial booking upgraded to a red card, for a challenge that saw Liverpool’s No. 17 slip over the ball and into the leg of Yves Bissouma.
VAR Protocol Not Followed
It was a questionable decision from referee Simon Hooper, though it is widely believed to have been swayed by VAR showing him a still image of contact prior to any replays on the pitchside monitor.
The motivation behind Liverpool’s appeal is likely to be the images Hooper was shown, which did not follow VAR protocol. Speaking on the red card after the game – with Diogo Jota also dismissed for two bookable offences, which cannot be appealed – Jurgen Klopp criticised the VAR process.
“The first red card, Curtis steps on the ball and then rolls over the ball and hits the legs,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “If you looked at it in slow motion, you think, ‘OK, that is maybe a red card’. If you are a football player, I am not sure you would [say it is a red]. Unlucky, not a bad tackle. Just stepped on the ball and goes over it.”
Potential Ban Extension
With Jones dismissed for serious foul play, the 22-year-old would be liable for a three-match ban. However, if the appeal is deemed ‘frivolous’, Jones’ ban could be extended to four games, which would see him absent vs. Brighton, Everton and Nottingham Forest in the league and Bournemouth in the League Cup.
He is already eligible to feature against Union SG in the Europa League on Thursday night, with domestic bans not applying in Europe. But if overturned, Jones would be available for the Reds’ next Premier League game, which comes away to Brighton on Sunday.
Liverpool’s Successful Appeals
Liverpool have already seen one successful appeal against a red card this season, with Alexis Mac Allister‘s dismissal against Bournemouth overturned.
An independent panel will now assess the situation and decide whether or not Jones’ red card should be overturned. With VAR protocol not followed in this case, Liverpool are hopeful that their appeal will be successful and Jones will be available for their next Premier League game.