Rafa Benitez has signalled his intention to enter into talks with referees' chief Keith Hackett in order to "solve" the problem which led to Javier Mascherano being shown a red card in Liverpool's match with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Apparently angered by match referee Steve Bennett's decision to book club-mate Fernando Torres, Mascherano marched fully 25 yards to discuss the matter with Bennett, despite the fact that he was already on a yellow card.
The decision to pursue the matter was also questionable given the fact that players' perceived lack of respect for referees had been thoroughly scrutinised following Ashley Cole's conduct last Wednesday during Chelsea’s 4-4 draw with Tottenham.
Significantly, Bennett was also the fourth official during the match at White Hart Lane.
Mascherano, though, is adamant that he did nothing wrong, even allowing for the circumstances surrounding the game, and Benitez believes a discussion is required if closure is to be achieved.
"I would like to speak to Keith Hackett because it is important we find a solution," he said.
"At Liverpool we respect the game, the rules and we respect the referee."
The FA could still decide to extend the ban from one match to three after reviewing video footage and studying the referee's report, and Mascherano did not help his cause by taking an age to leave the pitch.
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21 October 2010
21 October 2010
21 October 2010
20 October 2010
20 October 2010
