Rafa Benitez demands meeting with referee chief over red card

Mar 25 2008

RAFA BENITEZ is to seek talks with referees chief Keith Hackett over the sending off of Javier Mascherano against Manchester United.

Mascherano is was today expected to be slapped with a three-match ban by the FA for his refusal to leave the pitch after being dismissed by Steve Bennett.

The Argentinian picked up an automatic one-game ban for the two yellow cards he received on Sunday and he is now likely to be hit with a further two game suspension which would mean as well as missing this weekend’s derby, he would also be ruled out of forthcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Blackburn.

But should Mascherano request a personal hearing, there is a possibility that any such ban would be delayed.

Benitez is now keen to enter into a dialogue with Hackett in a bid to find “a solution” to the problems which occurred at Old Trafford.

He said: “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.”

John Arne Riise believes his team-mate’s emotions boiled over because of his passion for the club. But backed him to learn from the experience.

He said: I don't know what was said (between Mascherano and Bennett) but I feel that the referee should have called Steven Gerrard to him before this.

“Mascherano boiled over, but he will learn from this.

“He is an intense player who loves the club and loves to win, therefore he probably got a little too hot in that situation.”

Meanwhile, Fernando Torres is likely to be fit to play for Spain in tomorrow night’s friendly against Italy despite picking up a number of knocks against United.

Liverpool’s top scorer underwent a scan yesterday which revealed several minor injuries to his legs and ribs, but none are thought to be serious enough to keep him out of action.