Liverpool won their FA Cup final dress-rehearsal 2-1 at West Ham last night in a game which saw both Luis Garcia and Hayden Mullins sent-off.
Liverpool midfielder Garcia appeared to aim an elbow in Mullins' back before going to ground after a shove by his rival as they jostled for the ball after 82 minutes. Both players will now miss the final due to suspension.
Earlier, Djibril Cisse had powered in an angled 20-yard to put the Reds ahead.
West Ham responded when Nigel Reo-Coker tapped in before Cisse squirmed a shot home to earn the visitors a win.
West Ham were playing their first home game since the death of former manager John Lyall and there was a period of applause before the game got underway.
West Ham manager Alan Pardew said afterwards: "I think everybody in the whole stadium was hoping the referee would not brandish the red cards but, unfortunately, he did.
"It would be good for the FA to show a bit of clemency and let the players play in the FA Cup final.
"The fact we play each other makes it an even decision for me."
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "We will see if we can appeal because both players apologised to each other and the referee.
"I think that the referee understands the situation. He will watch the video again and if he sees something different he will put it in his report.
"In this case, with the two teams playing in the final maybe someone can be sensible."
Liverpool midfielder Garcia appeared to aim an elbow in Mullins' back before going to ground after a shove by his rival as they jostled for the ball after 82 minutes. Both players will now miss the final due to suspension.
Earlier, Djibril Cisse had powered in an angled 20-yard to put the Reds ahead.
West Ham responded when Nigel Reo-Coker tapped in before Cisse squirmed a shot home to earn the visitors a win.
West Ham were playing their first home game since the death of former manager John Lyall and there was a period of applause before the game got underway.
West Ham manager Alan Pardew said afterwards: "I think everybody in the whole stadium was hoping the referee would not brandish the red cards but, unfortunately, he did.
"It would be good for the FA to show a bit of clemency and let the players play in the FA Cup final.
"The fact we play each other makes it an even decision for me."
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "We will see if we can appeal because both players apologised to each other and the referee.
"I think that the referee understands the situation. He will watch the video again and if he sees something different he will put it in his report.
"In this case, with the two teams playing in the final maybe someone can be sensible."
