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Cahill loses red card appeal

30/09/2008

Tim Cahill has lost his appeal against the red card he received in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool, triggering a three-match domestic ban.

The Everton midfielder was given his marching orders by referee Mike Riley in the 80th minute of the 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park for a foul on Xabi Alonso, which was deemed serious foul play.

The club appealed the decision on Monday but at an independent regulatory commission hearing today, the claim for wrongful dismissal was rejected.

As a result, the Australian will miss the Toffees' next three matches - Premier League fixtures against Newcastle United, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Despite the domestic ban, Cahill will still be available for the crucial second leg of the Uefa Cup tie against Standard Liege.

The Merseysiders face an uphill struggle to progress to the group stage of the European competition with the aggregate score delicately poised at 2-2 following the home leg two weeks ago.