Fellaini joined Everton for �15m from Standard Liege in September
Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini will miss the forthcoming Merseyside derbies against Liverpool after his booking in the 2-0 win over Hull City.
The Toffees now face their city rivals in the Premier League and FA Cup without the Belgium international, a �15m club record signing.
And manager David Moyes admitted that he should have replaced Fellaini.
"I made the decision, and if we could have got through 15 minutes or so we would have taken him off," said Moyes.
The Goodison boss - speaking after a win which takes Everton into the top six - felt that retaining Fellaini in the game was a necessary risk.
We were 2-0 up against Newcastle and didn't win, so the most important game is the one we are playing
David Moyes
"The downside was the booking for Fellaini," he added.
"We thought about taking him off at half-time because of the possible problem of him being suspended.
"But we were 2-0 up against Newcastle and didn't win, so the most important game is the one we are playing.
"I have seen it now on TV and the Hull lad ducked his head down to about four feet off the ground, Fellaini is looking at the ball and toe-pokes it away.
"It can't seriously be dangerous play, you are entitled to challenge for that," explained Moyes.
"It was a costly decision and clubs do get people suspended."
Moyes confessed, meanwhile, to a mixed opinion of referee Martin Atkinson's performance.
"Referees we have had recently have been very good, but I don't think this one was. And we have had an offside goal, that was clear.
"I will be straight with things that affect both sides, and our first goal was offside. I have to be fair."
Everton play Liverpool at Anfield on 19 January in the Premier League, before returning to the same venue for the FA Cup fourth-round tie six days later.
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