A statement released by the FA read: "Liverpool's Javier Mascherano has today been charged with improper conduct.”The charge relates to his reaction towards referee Steve Bennett after being sent off against Manchester United on Sunday." would like to applaud the FA for stepping up and taking a stance in this matter. This action is needed to move the game away from the rise in blatant disregard of referee’s authority by players; and in so doing showing lack of respect for the game. Referees are the caretakers of the game, without their presence or authority, there will be chaos.  I further believe that Liverpool and all the other club need to make it clear to their players, that badgering the officials is unacceptable. Alex Ferguson addressed the issue prior to the Man Utd game against Liverpool; he was very clear that he will not accept such behavior from his players. All the other managers need to follow his lead and publicly address the issue. If this issue is not aggressively dealt with, many fans will be turn off and the game will suffer. Maybe in the best interest of the game, Liverpool should accept the additional two games ban and move on?

“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.” 

 After reading Mascherano quotes or his reactions to his sending off, my conclusions are the following: This is a cultural difference issue? Maybe this kind of behavior is tolerated in South America? Or he is a naïve about the viewing public ability to see and comprehend what’s happening on the pitch? Or he is just a liar?  

 I have read some comments that the second yellow card should have been given sooner- I agree. If you go back and look at the game you will see the deterioration in his behavior. During that game he uttered the F-bomb (“F-OFF”) at least once- not sure who it was directed to? Even more concerning was his behavior after he was asked to leave the field. He was not responding to his teammate’s efforts to have him leave the field. This is why, like others, I hope the FA give him an additional game or two ban. The message has got to be clear- this kind of behavior has no place in football.

I am disappointed that Rafa Benitez-Liverpool’s Manager- does not agree with Mascherano's dismissal after received second yellow, for dissent against Manchester United. According to Benitez: "I would like to speak to Keith Hackett because it is important that we find a solution."  I don’t see how Benitez reaction, is good for the game; rather his reponse only helps to encourage such behavior. Mascherano ran almost 20 yards to badger referee Bennett regarding a yellow card issued to his teammate -Torres.  Frankly, I hope the FA increase his ban from one game three games and fine Benitez and Liverpool. This is the only way to clean up the game; the FA has to show its support the referees. Benitez said. "At Liverpool, we respect the game, we respect the rules and we respect the referee." I am sorry but Mascherano’s behavior showed quite the opposite- his behavior showed no respect for the official or the game. As I watched, I felt if he was not restrained by his teammates, things could have got worst? So for the love of the game, Benitez, firstly acknowledge your player behavior “out of bounds and unaceptable” and take internal actions to prevent from re-occurring. Secondly, in your meeting with Mr. Hackett offer a sincere apology

Man Utd convincingly defeated Liverpool 3-0, and moved five points above Chelsea and six above Arsenal. The game was marred by the sending off of Mascherano just before the haft time interval for blatant dissent, he received second yellow card badgering referee Bennett. I am totally in agreement with the referee for dismissing Mascherano, it was well deserved. His actions were out of line, he let his team, manager and Liverpool fans down. With the heavy discussions earlier during the week following the behavior of Chelsea’s defender Ashley Cole in game against Tottenham; he should have known better. On this issue of players confronting referees during game, I have ZERO TOLERANCE. Much respect for John Terry (Chelsea) asking the FA to step up with new rule against players harassing or confronting referees during game. 

  I was again disappointed to see Tevez starting the game on the bench. He has too many qualities and brings too much to the table to be coming off the bench. Giggs and Scholes showed why they should be thirty to forty five minutes players. I respect both of their past contributions to Man Utd; however the new signings – Tevez, Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson are the real deal.  Anderson has been given the opportunity and has excelled- once he learns how to score goals, he will be unstoppable. Now that Hargreaves is healthy, I prefer seeing him starting ahead of Carrick? 

 Rooney and Ronaldo both missed two easy chances. Rooney lately has not been sharp in front of goal. His misses today, are unacceptable for someone of his caliber. This is why Tevez languishing on the bench does not make sense to me. Earlier in the season, when they were both on the field at the same time, they were very successful. Why has SAF gone away from this partnership? I was also shocked with Ronaldo’s misses, especially with the form. I know credit must be given to goalkeeper (Reina) but Ronaldo’s form has been remarkable. He did make up for his miss by scoring a fantastic header off  Nani’s corner kick, which sealed the victory for Man Utd. I am convinced that even with eleven men, Man Utd would of still have won. They were ahead before Liverpool was reduced to ten men, and was clearly the better team before and after sending off. 

 With five points lead over Chelsea, the game at Stamford Bridge on April 26th could be massive or the title could be wrapped up by then? Man Utd claim to the league title is within reach; as SAF said earlier “consistency” is required to retain title.  Man Utd must win its next game at home against Aston Villa and keep pressure on Chelsea and Arsenal. Excitement is in the air, the next games are not to be miss.