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Javier Mascherano still has no idea why he was sent off against Manchester United during Liverpool's 3-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Old Trafford.
The Liverpool midfielder could face a lengthy ban if the Football Association decide to make an example of him for showing dissent to a match official.
"When the referee showed me the second yellow card and sent me off, I could not believe it," Mascherano said. "I asked the referee what was happening. I did not swear, I was not aggressive and I did not confront him.
Mascherano had already been booked for a late sliding tackle on Paul Scholes on Sunday when he appeared to question referee Steve Bennett's decision to caution Fernando Torres. Mascherano had protested against the referee's decisions throughout the match and was given a second yellow card.
His dismissal carries a one-match ban but the Football Association may increase it as it aims to crack down on players showing dissent.
The 23-year-old's case will not he helped by the fact he completely lost his cool and would not leave the pitch until he was dragged away by Liverpool players and management.
Mascherano, however, believes he should not have been penalised.
"I asked the referee what was happening. I did not swear, I was not aggressive and I did not confront him," he said. "All I did was ask him what was happening, nothing else."
He added: "I am sorry to my teammates because that meant we went down to 10 men," Mascherano said. "That made things even more difficult for us."
Mascherano is now suspended for next week's match against rivals Everton.

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Pat,
You are doing a generalized and disrespectful view of the argentinians.
Maybe you are perfect or your moral aptitude lets you be a moralist. What if we talk about the world cup of the 66? Because of that the english people are cheaters? No!
You should review what you write Pat. No offence intended.
Sorry for my english, hope this makes sense.
Ignatius, Santa Fe, Argentina
I am a Liverpool fan in Australia and I believe Javier got what he deserved. His conduct towards the officials during the first half showed dissent on numerous occasions. Referees, no matter how poor their decisions are, must be shown respect. Footballers are the worst offenders in any sport I have seen in this regard. It is commonplace for 5 or 6 players to crowd referees after every decision that goes against their team. This is not only intimidating for the whistleblower, but sets a poor example for millions of children playing the game. I believe the only person that should be allowed to question a referee's decision is the captain - and he must do so with respect. Referees must take a stand on cray baby players, with the full support of the FA. I guarantee you, if everyone in a complaining crowd of players is shown a yellow card each time they do it, the problem will be gone within a month. No manager will tolerate losing 3 players to double yellow cards each game.
Daniel, Orange, Australia
It sounds a bit parochial, but two of Liverpool's stalwarts this season, Mascherano and Reina, appeared to struggle with the Super Sunday backdrop of this highly charged fixture. In the context of Ashley Cole's behaviour a few days before, Masherano should have been more circumspect. And perhaps Benitez a little more proactive.
Vernon Goodhand, Hull, England
Why doesn't he ask Alonso? He clearly knew M was heading into big trouble! His protests at the end of the game were clearly a result of guilt at not doing more to have stopped Mascherano.
dominic, Teddington, Middlesex,
The match comentator on radio 5 was saying throughout the first half he needed to calm down or he would be off. Why is the times producing this sympathetic article?
D whitts, Sheffield, UK
Mascherano deserves whatever he gets. I've been watching football since the forties and the refs need to clamp down on dissenters because it's getting way out of hand.
Players should be sent off when they act like Mascherano did.
There is no other way to stop this nonsense. It spoils the game, and if not strongly discouraged, will only get worse.
colin nicholas, kelowna bc, canada
Mascherano had been disrespectful to the referee since the beginning of the game. And he had already been booked.
What does he not understand? That two yello cards mean red?
Of course he still does not understand. He is from Argentina, where they believe it is perfectly okay to win a game with the help of "the hand of god".
Hopefully the FA will hand him a lengthy ban.
pat, Bangkok, Thailand