Reds decide against Reina appeal

Reina was dismissed after 82 minutes

Liverpool have decided not to appeal against Jose Reina's red card in the 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Sunday.

The Spanish goalkeeper was sent off following an altercation with Chelsea's Arjen Robben, during which he placed a hand on the Dutch player's face.

But the Football Association received no appeal before the 1200 GMT deadline.

Reina will serve a three-game ban, meaning he will miss Wednesday's trip to Charlton, the visit to Wigan and the home game with Arsenal on 14 February.

The incident happened after a crude tackle on Chelsea's Eidur Gudjohnsen by Reina.

It was as Reina was called to referee Wiley following his tackle on Gudjohnsen that the incident with Robben took place.

Report: Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool

Robben confronted Reina but when the keeper raised his hand the Dutchman dramatically fell to the floor holding his face - and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was highly critical of the player's reaction.

"I must go to the hospital because the injury was so serious that maybe he will be there for one week," said Benitez afterwards.

"Reina has made a mistake because Robben was talking with him and he turns and touches his face, but has he broken his neck?

"He has dived, it is so clear. I don't understand why you can kick everyone in a game, then you touch one player and you are sent off.

"What kind of professional can you be against another professional if you leave the other player not playing for three games?"

Chelsea won the match 2-0 through goals from William Gallas and Hernan Crespo.