Liverpool Football Club News

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Mascherano admits FA charge

28 Mar 2008 - 12:48:31

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Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has admitted an FA charge of improper conduct relating to his sending-off against Manchester United, but has asked for a personal hearing.

Mascherano was dismissed just before half-time in the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford last Sunday, continuing to argue with referee Steve Bennett after he had been shown the red card.

The defensive midfielder is definitely ruled out of this weekend's Merseyside derby against Everton and is likely to face further time on the sidelines after his hearing on Thursday, April 3.

The 23-year-old Argentinian had earlier told the Daily Echo: "I do not know why I was sent off. I asked the referee what was happening. I did not swear.

"I was not aggressive and I did not confront him. All I did was ask him what was happening, nothing else.

"When he showed me the second yellow card and sent me off I could not believe it."

Mascherano's manager, Rafa Benitez, said after the game: "The player knows he has made a mistake, but in this kind of game to be sent off just for asking, I find it a difficult decision to understand.

"Javier was sent off for dissent, but to be sent off for asking the official something is a surprise."