Cahill was shown a straight red card by Mike Riley for a tackle on Xabi Alonso

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill has lost his appeal for wrongful dismissal over the red card he was shown in Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Liverpool.

Cahill, 28, was sent off for a challenge on Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso after 80 minutes.

The Australian international will start a three-match ban immediately.

He is eligible for Thursday's Uefa Cup tie against Standard Liege but misses his side's games against Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester United.

606: DEBATE I think the card was harsh, should have been a yellow. LFCYNWA83

After the game, Everton manager David Moyes said he did not think the tackle deserved a red card, and he thought referee Mike Riley may have increased the punishment as Cahill walked away from him when he blew the whistle.

But that would have meant two yellow cards, not a straight red.