Javier Mascherano has been charged by the FA with improper conduct following his sending off against Manchester United on sunday. The vague charge relates to the length of time it took the Argentine midfielder to leave the field and could lead to a further 3 game ban in addition to the 1 match automatic ban he receives for the sending off. The move seems like a desperate attempt by referee Steve Bennett to cover his tracks after an inconsistent performance. Bennett sent Mascherano off for asking ‘what happened’ but then let several high profile England internationals including new captain Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher verbully abuse and swear at him without taking any action. Bennett was also the 4th official at White hart lane when Ashley Cole committed a horrific foul on Alan Hutton which could of ended his career but missed the incident completely from his post match report, which shows he clearly gives English players leeway. Mascherano has untill 6pm on thursday to respond to the charge and must then wait till April 4th to have his case heard, which will hinder Liverpools preparations for the crucial game with Arsenal that weekend.

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