Mascherano charged by FA

Liverpool midfielder faces further action

Last updated: 26th March 2008

Football Premier League Manchester United Liverpool Javier Mascherano Benitez

Mascherano: FA charge

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Javier Mascherano has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association.

The Liverpool midfielder faces further disciplinary action following his reaction to being dismissed by referee Steve Bennett in the defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Mascherano had to be restrained by his team-mates, manager Rafa Benitez and members of the Liverpool back-room staff after being shown a second yellow card for questioning Bennett's decision to book team-mate Fernando Torres.

Reaction

A statement from the FA read: "The charge relates to his reaction towards referee Steve Bennett after being sent off against Manchester United on Sunday, 23rd March.

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

"Mascherano is currently serving a one-match suspension for the sending-off."

The Argentina international could now face a further suspension following the FA's decision.

Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford left Liverpool 14 points behind the Premier League leaders and out of the title race for this season.

Benitez's men are just two points ahead of Merseyside rivals Everton in the race for fourth place with the two teams due to meet at Anfield on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1.