Liverpool appeal against length of Sadio Mane ban - and insist three matches is "excessive punishment"

Liverpool have attempted to have Sadio Mane’s three-game ban for serious foul play reduced

The Senaglese winger was given a straight red card for his collision with Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson in Saturday's 5-0 defeat.

Mane clattered into the side of Ederson's face, with the Brazilian stopper requiring eight stitches as a result.

But Liverpool have appealed, claiming three matches is “excessive punishment”.

They argue that Mane’s actions were totally without malice, and the injury was the result of an accident, and that the ban should reflect his intent to solely play the ball.

If the panel decide the three-match suspension is too much, then they can reduce it to two matches or even one. A decision is expected before 6pm on Tuesday.

The hosts went on to win 5-0 and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said after the game the club was unlikely to appeal.

He said: "So it never works? It would be another waste of time, like the game today. Not sure (if they will appeal)."

"I think everyone knows he didn't see the goalie.

"There was not one second he looks on the goalie. He just wanted to get the ball as soon as possible. Hopefully the goalie is not seriously injured.

"(Sadio) is very, very upset. We couldn't keep him - he was shocked about the situation. I am sure also about the decision."

As things stand, Mane will miss the visit of Burnley as well as back-to-back matches against Leicester in the EFL Cup and Premier League.