FA stands by Mane’s ban after sending off

SADIO Mane will miss a full three games for his challenge on City goalkeeper Ederson after the FA rejected Liverpool’s appeal.

Referee Jon Moss surprisingly provoked controversy for producing a red card when the Liverpool star’s boot connected firmly with Ederson’s face as both players went for the ball.

Despite disagreeing with the decision, manager Jurgen Klopp suggested in the immediate aftermath of the game that an appeal would be a waste of time.

After considering it, Liverpool did contact the FA to request a more lenient sanction for one of their star players. Aided by the acceptance that Mane was not deliberately seeking to injure anyone, they were hoping to get his ban reduced by at least one game by arguing that a three-match suspension would be ‘clearly excessive’.

However, the FA have rejected that claim to mean Mane will sit out league games with Burnley and Leicester as well as a cup tie at Craig Shakespeare’s side.

Having been treated during the second half of the 5-0 win, Ederson was back in the stadium before the final whistle with a dressing on his face and has trained with protective headgear.

While the scars are still clearly visible, the Brazilian is determined to keep his place in goal for the Champions League clash against Feyenoord and has been included in a 19-man squad that has travelled from Manchester.