Carlo Ancelotti remarkably suggested Lucas Digne was red carded as punishment after the significant reaction to Jordan Pickford's non-sending off in last week's Merseyside derby.
The Everton manager confirmed the club would appeal the red for Digne, who clumsily fouled Kyle Walker-Peters from behind in the 72nd minute at St Mary's Stadium.
Speaking afterwards on Sky Sports, Ancelotti claimed: 'The red card was a joke. It was not intentional. Maybe it could be a yellow but for sure it was not violent conduct.
Digne was sent off in Everton's 2-0 loss after a clumsy tackle on Kyle Walker-Peters
'They could check better.