[Slick_Footwork]

I think he was unfortunate to get sent off because of the lack of contact.

However, he looked at the opponent twice which suggests that he did intend to strike him / fend him off. Because of that, the referee is well within his rights to show the red.

So, while it was soft, if I was a Liverpool fan, I would blame the player rather than the referee. I firmly believe that every player should avoid situations which give the referee the opportunity to send them off. In this case, while the hand might not of been as dangerous as an elbow, any contact above head height gives the referee that opportunity.