Everton are to appeal against Tim Cahill's sending off in Sunday's 3-1 win against Newcastle.
The Australian midfielder received a straight red card at the full-time whistle after appearing to get involved in a confrontation with Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye.
The Frenchman has since apologised for his role in the skirmish and the Football Association will now review the incident.
Cahill may miss Everton's first three games of the 2012/13 season should the appeal prove unsuccessful.
But the fact Cabaye, who received a booking for his part in the incident, issued an apology on Newcastle's website may prove helpful to Cahill's cause.
Cabaye said: "I would like to apologise for the cross words I exchanged with Tim Cahill which resulted in his red card and my booking on the final whistle.
"It was unnecessary and, regrettably, the result of frustration and disappointment, all in the heat of the moment. It is out of character and for that I am sorry."
Everton boss David Moyes thought referee Andre Marriner could have shown some leniency.
"He (Cahill) says he was called something by Cabaye. I don't know what happened after that," said the Scot.
"I thought the referee could have maybe shown a bit of common sense at the end and given him a yellow card."
