Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere has hit out at the FA's four-match ban he copped over his dismissal against Liverpool.

"When I heard I had got a four-game ban I was very upset and very disappointed because I didn't expect it," he said. "It was hard to take.

"I've not heard anyone say the four-game ban for me was right. I don't understand why they increased it."

Aliadiere's appeal against his red card for raising his hands to midfielder Javier Mascherano was deemed frivolous by the committee and the striker fumed: "I'm the only Premier League player who has had that done to them. It is confusing.

"Michael Essien against Derby used his elbows in the face but nothing happens. He doesn't get an extra ban but I did. Why? I have got no idea.

"I just don't understand it. Nobody has given me an answer.

"We can all sit back and say it is not right but not one person has told me I deserved four games out."