Mascherano handed extra ban after OT tantrum

"Calm down, Mascher"
By Chris,
April 3 2008

Javier Mascherano has been slapped with an additional two-game ban after his childish antics at Old Trafford. The midfielder picked up an automatic one-match ban following after picking up two yellow cards in Liverpool’s 3-0 capitulation against the Red Devils. That suspension has now been increased to three games, whilst the FA have also dished out a £15,000 fine.

Mascherano had to be restrained by team-mates as he launched a verbal assault on referee Steve Bennett after being sent-off.

His behaviour sparked a mass debate about the justification of Bennett's decision and whether or not it was time for more referees to clamp down on dissent.

Mascherano admitted a case of improper conduct earlier in the week and the new suspension will come into force immediately.