Reds lose Mascherano appeal

Argentine suspended for Blackburn clash

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 10th April 2008

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Mascherano: Ban stands

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The Football Association has dismissed Javier Mascherano's appeal against his extra two-game ban.

The Liverpool midfielder was shown a second yellow card for dissent in the recent defeat to Manchester United.

The FA hit the Argentine with a £15,000 fine and suspended him for two further games as a result of his failure to leave the pitch after being sent off.

Mascherano contested the decision on the grounds that it was an excessive punishment, but he has not been successful following an Appeals Panel hearing on Thursday.

He will now complete his ban by sitting out the home game with Blackburn this weekend.

Mascherano, who has apologised for his actions, will be available again for the Premier League clash with Fulham on 19th April.

Difficult

Liverpool will face Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals a few days after the Fulham game, the third time the sides have met at the same stage in the last four years.

"It will be very difficult against Chelsea, and more difficult than playing Arsenal," said Mascherano.

"I don't know if playing the second leg at Stamford Bridge will make a big difference.

"If we can score goals at Anfield in the first leg, then we will go to Stamford Bridge with maybe half the job done.

"Chelsea are a strong team, and perhaps they play the same way as us."