FOOTBALL

What happened on this day in 2008 with former Liverpool player Javier Mascherano?

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Javier Mascherano received a red card during a match between Manchester United and Liverpool. However, he did not only receive a red card, the Liverpool management, players, and then Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez had to calm him down. Manchester United won the game 3-0 and this card may have played a huge part in the Reds’ defeat.

Liverpool were trailing 1-0 before half time and referee Steve Bennett had just given a yellow card to Fernando Torres for arguing. Even after seeing this, Mascherano went to question the referee and got himself a second yellow card. This clearly impacted Liverpool’s performance as they went on to concede two more goals in the second half.

Mascherano was left frustrated and did not stop questioning the referee and refused to leave the pitch. The Liverpool management had to hold him and Rafa Benitez calmed him down. Although Mascherano later realized his mistake and apologized, he still couldn’t understand the referee’s decision. He was also asking the referee without an ill manner but still got booked which shook both the player and the manager.

This is what Mascherano had to say after the heated incident at Old Trafford,

“I do not know why I was sent off,” he said. “When the referee showed me the second yellow card and sent me off I could not believe it. I asked the referee what was happening. I did not swear, I was not aggressive and I did not confront him. All I did was ask him what was happening, nothing else.I am sorry to my team-mates because that meant we went down to 10 men. That made things even more difficult for us.”

What Javier Mascherano could have done differently to avoid a defeat for Liverpool?

Javier Mascherano had already seen his teammate receiving a yellow card for dissent. The Argentine could have stopped himself from questioning as he was already on a yellow card. He should have been more careful and thoughtful that even he may even end up with a red card. Referees are sometimes necessarily harsh on players but that also tests the calmness of a player.

Mascherano could have stayed on the pitch while avoiding a red and may have somehow helped to change the result at Old Trafford. However, it only made it difficult for his teammate to handle such a big game with only 10 men. Manchester United might even call themselves lucky as this incident happened which helped them in the later course of the game.

Liverpool later tried to appeal the decision but that was rejected by the FA. In addition, Mascherano was given a 3 game ban for misconduct instead of a 1 game ban on two yellow cards. Moreover, he was also on the receiving end of a £15,000 fine. This was a little overboard from the FA and also a mistake on the referee’s part but that wasn’t talked about much as it was not an activity on the pitch.

Players are left frustrated after bizarre decisions by the referee and that is understandable at times. The heat of the moment catches the players doing unwanted things. However, the referees and the footballing bodies should also do their best to understand their players and avoid unnecessary fines.

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