Mascherano regrets 'mistake'

Midfielder says sorry again after being given new suspension

Last updated: 4th April 2008

liverpool javier mascherano man utd

Mascherano: Not a dirty player

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Javier Mascherano says he will 'learn his lesson' after being handed an extra two-match ban following his recent sending-off against Manchester United.

The Liverpool midfielder was dismissed during last month's 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford after collecting a second yellow card for showing dissent towards referee Steve Bennett.

Mascherano was then given an additional two-game suspension, and fined £15,000, by the Football Association on Thursday after admitting a charge of improper conduct for his failure to leave the field after being sent off.

Liverpool are considering an appeal against the decision, but Mascherano appears inclined to let the matter rest after again apologising for the incident.

'My fault'

"I apologise to everyone," the Argentinian told the Daily Mail. "I made a mistake and I regret this mistake. It was my fault.

"I am not a dirty player, I do not make a habit of showing disrespect towards referees, I don't like this and I can only think the high intensity of the fixture, against Manchester United, affected my behaviour that day. It was out of character, but I do not use that as an excuse.

"It is a bad thing when you let down your team-mates and leave them to play with 10 men, especially against Manchester United.

"They have been supportive and so have the Liverpool fans, but it didn't take away the pain. Looking back at that game, I was wrong to approach the referee. I approached him to talk to him, but I understand this was not a good idea.

Difficult time

"I reacted badly to the red card because I could not believe what was happening to me.

"I must learn my lesson, but move on from this and forget what has happened. I hope people know that I try to be fair and that I have no intention to be aggressive.

"I have to concentrate on the matches I can play in and stay focused on the Champions League. We have enjoyed a very good result against Arsenal and I am very much looking forward to the second leg.

"It is time for me to move forward, but not to forget the lessons from the past and the match at Manchester United.

"Off the field it has been a difficult time for me. My disciplinary record has been good until now, but I have to show that again. I always try to respect decisions by the referee and this is important."