Everton Appeal Jack Rodwell’s Red Card Claiming Martin Atkinson Made Wrong Decision in Merseyside Derby

Everton have appealed to the FA, attempting to rescind the red card given to midfielder Jack Rodwell in Saturday's Merseyside derby. Referee Martin Atkinson punished the 20-year-old midfielder's hard tackle with a straight red card. The decision swung the game in Liverpool's favor. 

Everton CEO Robert Elstone said on the team's website, "Following a review of the video evidence we believe the decision to be wrong and we will be contacting the FA requesting that the red card is rescinded."

Everton had the better of play in early part of the game before Rodwell's 23rd-minute dismissal. Liverpool eventually wore down their rivals and triumphed behind two second-half goals. 

Rodwell faces a three-game ban for the red card and the highly-rated midfielder is essential to the plans of manager David Moyes. 

In his postgame news conference, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish would not say if Atkinson's punishment fit Rodwell's crime. He said, "It was pretty even 11 against 11. I have not seen the incident, so I don't know whether he deserved red or not."

Did Jack Rodwell deserve to be sent off against Liverpool?