FA dismiss Liverpool's appeal against Mascherano ban
Javier Mascherano failed to control himself against Man United
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Thursday, 10, Apr 2008 08:59
Liverpool have failed in their attempt to overturn the extra two game suspension given to Javier Mascherano for his sending off at Manchester United.
The Argentine midfielder was given a second yellow card for dissent and was originally banned for one game by the Football Association (FA) and fined two weeks wages by his club.
But the FA decided to hand him an extra two game suspension and fine him a further £15,000 for his refusal to leave the pitch after referee Steve Bennett had sent him off.
Mascherano was incensed with Bennett for giving Fernando Torres a yellow card and he had to be contained by manager Rafael Benitez and led away from the pitch.
Liverpool, however, appealed on the grounds that the punishment was harsh, but an Appeals Panel dismissed their argument.
Mascherano did apologise for his actions afterwards, saying: "I made a mistake and I regret this mistake. It was my fault. I apologise to everyone.
"I reacted badly to the red card because I could not believe what was happening to me."
The 23-year-old has become a key player for Liverpool since his controversial move form West Ham in January 2007.
But he will no have to complete his suspension by missing the Premier League match against Blackburn on Sunday.