Last Updated: Tuesday, March 25, 2008, 21:39

FA to study Mascherano incident

The Football Association will review television footage of Javier Mascherano's controversial red card at Old Trafford and also study the report of referee Steve Bennett before deciding whether to charge the Liverpool midfielder.

Argentina international Mascherano was sent off for picking up two cautions during the Barclays Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday - the second for dissent towards the match official.

Bennett's report is understood to make a point of mentioning the time it took an angry Mascherano to leave the pitch.

A decision from the FA is expected on Wednesday afternoon, which is likely to result in a charge and could lead to an extended ban for the player.

Meanwhile his manager Rafael Benitez wants showdown talks with referees' boss Keith Hackett.

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

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."

Liverpool, who have one of the best disciplinary records in the Barclays Premier League, are still fuming over the treatment meted out to striker Fernando Torres during the match - and believe both the striker and Mascherano were asking for protection.

Mascherano, currently in Egypt with the Argentina squad, fears further action - following the protracted, angry scenes when he was virtually dragged from the pitch by coaching staff and colleagues.

If Mascherano is banned from subsequent games against Arsenal and Blackburn, Liverpool could well demand a personal hearing - which would delay any future ban.

Mascherano would be banned from league games only - starting with Sunday's derby against Everton - but would be able to play in both Champions League quarter-final legs against Arsenal.