Liverpool's Mascherano requests FA hearing after admitting improper conduct charge

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has admitted a Football Association charge of improper conduct and has requested a personal hearing.

The case will be heard at an FA regulatory commission next Thursday, but his admission has already cost him a maximum fine of two-weeks wages imposed by the Anfield club.

Scroll down for more

The charge came after the FA studied Mascherano's reaction to being sent off against Manchester United in last weekend's Premier League clash.

The Argentina midfielder was furious after being dismissed by Steve Bennett, and had to be dragged from the pitch by coaching staff and colleagues.

Mascherano was given a second yellow card by Bennett after rushing over to protest against a caution issued to striker Fernando Torres.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez admitted Mascherano made a mistake in refusing to leave the pitch, but felt his sending-off was harsh.

The 23-year-old is already ruled out of Sunday's Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield. and if the charge of improper conduct is upheld he looks set to be in line for an additional suspension, probably for two matches.

This further ban could see Mascherano miss the matches against Arsenal on April 5 and Blackburn eight days later.

Any domestic ban would exclude Liverpool's titanic European Cup clashes against Premier League rivals Arsenal.

An FA statement today read: "Liverpool's Javier Mascherano has admitted a charge of improper conduct and requested a personal hearing.

"The charge relates to his reaction towards referee Steve Bennett after being sent off against Manchester United on Sunday, March 23.

"The case will be heard by a regulatory commission on Thursday, April 3.

"Mascherano is currently serving a one-match suspension for the sending-off."