A DISTRAUGHT Xabi Alonso begged French referee Alain Sars to reconsider the booking which rules him out of Liverpool's match of the season against Chelsea.
But the heartbroken midfielder is resigned to sitting out next week's second leg at Anfield.
Alonso's 88th minute caution followed a challenge on Eidur Gudjohnsen, which TV replays showed involved no contact from the Spaniard.
Liverpool officials are furious today amid claims Gud-johnsen taunted Alonso after he toppled without being touched - and told the Spaniard he knew was on a yellow card already and would now miss the return.
Liverpool have no avenue of appeal, although a change of heart by the official could have offered hope to the Reds playmaker.
The club have been informed the decision will stand and Alonso can't play in the return leg, which stands tantalisingly at 0-0 following another heroic European display by Benitez's side.
For Alonso, however, the evening was bittersweet.
"You can see on the replay I didn't touch the player," said Alonso today.
"When I saw the yellow card I couldn't believe it because I knew what it meant. I feel so sad to be missing the second leg.
"I hoped after seeing the tackle again, maybe the referee could change his mind, but we've been told it's not possible to appeal.
"It's a big disappointment for me to miss the game at Anfield, because it will be a special night. Now I just hope we can get through to the final so I have another chance to play in the competition."
HAVE your say on our Reds Messageboard - click 
RSS News Feed