Liverpool's Alisson somehow avoids red card despite kicking opponent in the head

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson found himself fortunate to avoid a red card after kicking an opponent in the head while on international duty with Brazil.

Referee Wilmar Roldan had originally shown the 29-year-old a straight red during their meeting with Ecuador following a challenge with former West Ham United and Everton forward Enner Valencia.

Alisson rushed to the edge of his box to make a clearance, but made contact with the head of the forward on his follow through as Valencia chased down the ball.

But, after initially being dismissed, he was allowed to continue as VAR downgraded his red to yellow.

Had the red card been upheld, it would have been the third handed out by the Colombian referee within 30 minutes of kick-off, as the World Cup qualifying game quickly reached boiling point.

Brazil have already secured their place at the 2022 World Cup, but still named a starting XI packed with Premier League stars - including the Liverpool man.

While other Premier League stars are enjoying time off in Dubai, Thiago Silva and Emerson Royal started the game in the back four, with Fred and Philippe Coutinho in midfield and Raphinha in the front three.

Other Premier League stars, including Manchester United left-back Alex Telles and Manchester City duo Ederson and Gabriel Jesus, started on the bench.

And, despite the visitors' stacked squad and status as qualifying group leaders, they picked up several bookings in the first half while both sides had a man dismissed in a feisty encounter.

Ecuador goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez was the first to go after going in high on Brazil's Matheus Cunha, with the referee showing no hesitation in brandishing the red card.

Just 15 minutes had passed at that point, but the second red