Rafa seeks Hackett talks

Liverpool boss keen to 'settle' Mascherano sending off

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 25th March 2008

Football Premier League Manchester United Liverpool Javier Mascherano

Mascherano handed his marching orders by Bennett

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is set to demand talks with referees chief executive Keith Hackett following Javier Mascherano's red card on Grand Slam Sunday.

The Argentine midfielder became the first Liverpool player to be dismissed this season after receiving two bookings in the first half of his side's 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.

Benitez was angered after Mascherano collected his second caution for perceived dissent to referee Steve Bennett to leave the 23-year-old facing an automatic one-match suspension.

Mascherano could also see his ban extended if the Football Association decide to make an example of the situation in the wake of their new 'Respect' campaign and Benitez is eager to settle the issue through discussions with Hackett.

"I would like to speak to Keith Hackett because it is important that we find a solution," Benitez told Liverpool's official website.

"At Liverpool, we respect the game, we respect the rules and we respect the referee, and it is important to remember that Mascherano was the first Liverpool player to be sent off in the league this season."