Cole will not appeal three-game ban for debut dismissal

Cole was given a straight red card (AP)

Liverpool have decided not to contest Joe Cole's sending-off during their tumultuous encounter with Arsenal on Sunday. The former Chelsea midfielder, who was making his Premier League debut for the club following his free signing earlier this summer, clattered into Laurent Koscielny and received a straight red card from referee Martin Atkinson.

Koscielny was also dismissed later on in the encounter for two bookable offences to cap an extraordinary 1-1 draw at Anfield. Cole's dismissal automatically prompted a three-match ban and having studied the video, the club have decided there is little point in contesting the charge.

In fact, if Liverpool were to make representations to the Football Association and their pleas went unheard, Cole would run the risk of picking up a further one match ban for making a "frivolous appeal" as happened to Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand following a transgression against Hull City last season.

"Liverpool will not contest the automatic three-game ban imposed upon Joe Cole," a statement said. "The club has chosen not to take the matter further, meaning Cole will miss clashes against Manchester City, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City."

Meanwhile, Australian international goalkeeper Brad Jones has agreed personal terms with Liverpool following ongoing negotiations with Middlesbrough. A deal worth around £3.5m has been agreed between the two clubs.