Liverpool appeal over Alexander Doni red card fails

Liverpool have failed with their appeal against the red card issued to goalkeeper Alexander Doni in Tuesday's victory at Blackburn.

Liverpool appealed citing wrongful dismissal but it was today rejected by a Football Association regulatory commission, who ruled the one-match suspension remains.

It means third-choice goalkeeper Brad Jones is likely to play in goal in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Everton at Wembley, with first-choice Jose Reina already suspended.

Doni was sent off during the Barclays Premier League match for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

Referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty to Rovers for the infringement only for substitute goalkeeper Brad Jones to save Ayegbeni Yakubu's spot-kick.

Jones' appearance at Ewood Park was his first since December 2010 and only his third in 20 months since arriving from Middlesbrough.

PA