Ghana captain John Mensah was sent off on Sunday when his side Sunderland were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool in the English Premier League on Sunday.
Dirk Kuyt scored a controversial penalty as Liverpool bounced back from their Europa League exit with a 2-0 win at 10-man Sunderland on Sunday.
Kenny Dalglish's side enjoyed their own moment of good fortune at the Stadium of Light this time as Kuyt netted a first half penalty awarded for a tackle by John Mensah that took place outside the area.
Replays showed Mensah's challenge made contact with Jay Spearing before the midfielder fell in the area and referee Kevin Friend initially gave a free-kick, only to change his decision to a penalty on the advice of a linesman.
Sunderland were furious and Kuyt rubbed salt into their wounds as he drove home the spot-kick.
Luis Suarez scored Liverpool's second goal from what seemed an impossibly tight angle in the 77th minute to help erase the memory of his team's lacklustre midweek defeat against Braga in the Europa League and lift the Reds within four points of fifth placed Tottenham.
Mensah's miserable day was completed when the Ghana defender was sent off for a professional foul on Suarez in the closing stages.
Mensah's miserable day was completed when the Ghana defender was sent off for a professional foul on Suarez in the closing stages.