Benitez wants to see referees' chief after Mascherano red

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

LIVERPOOL (AFP) — Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez wants to meet with Premier League referees boss Keith Hackett following the controversial sending-off of Javier Mascherano at Old Trafford.

Mascherano was ordered off the field by Steve Bennett for showing dissent and Benitez, while accepting his player was wrong to argue with the official, fears an excessive example may be made of the Argentina midfielder following the launch of the FA's 'Respect' campaign.

This is designed to improve player behaviour towards officials at all levels. Although Benitez has no problem with the principle, he fears the FA may come under pressure to extend what would normally be a one-game ban to three.

The FA have yet to announce the extent of Mascherano's punishment and the way...