Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Fa cup

Rafael Benitez wants showdown talks with referees' boss Keith Hackett in the wake of Javier Mascherano's controversial red card at Old Trafford.

The Liverpool boss feels his side have been much-maligned after the incident on Sunday and may well become victims of an FA clean-up campaign - even though Mascherano's dismissal is his club's first of the season.

Benitez, aware that Mascherano has been condemned for his dissent aimed at referee Steve Bennett in the 3-0 defeat by Manchester United, still believes Liverpool need clarification from the man who controls the panel of top-flight referees.

Benitez - although accepting Mascherano made a big mistake to argue with the official - fears an example may be made of the Argentinian midfielder.

The Football Association are still reviewing the video of the incident and Bennett's report, which made a point of mentioning the time it took an angry Mascherano to leave the pitch.

A decision on future action is expected shortly, and FA sources say it is likely that Mascherano will be charged with failing to leave the field of play quickly enough.

The FA could instantly increase the player's ban by two extra games out, but then Liverpool would almost certainly demand a personal hearing.

Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv: "I would like to speak to Keith Hackett, because it is important that we find a solution.

"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."

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