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Mascherano charged with improper conduct after dissent

26/03/2008

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association in relation to his behaviour last weekend.

The Argentinean international was controversially dismissed during the Reds' 3-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, after which he protested the decision and refused to leave the pitch.

Mascherano was eventually persuaded away by team-mate Peter Crouch and members of the club's coaching staff, although he has since protested his innocence.

He claims he has "no idea" why he was issued a second yellow card, despite television pictures showing him protesting the booking of Fernando Torres.

However, Mascherano claims he was not arguing with the official but merely questioning why Torres was booked.

A statement from the FA today reads: "Liverpool's Javier Mascherano has today been charged with improper conduct.

"The charge relates to his reaction towards referee Steve Bennett after being sent off against Manchester United on Sunday March 23rd.

"He has until 6pm tomorrow to respond. The case will be heard by a regulatory commission on Friday April 4th."

Mascherano is currently serving a one-match suspension for the sending off, meaning he is unavailable for the Reds' next league match at home to local rivals Everton on Sunday.