25.3.08  Benitez wants Hackett talks

Rafael Benitez wants to hold talks with referees' chief Keith Hackett in the wake of Javier Mascherano's red card at Old Trafford.

The Football Association is set to decide on Wednesday whether to ban Mascherano for more than one match following Sunday's dismissal.

"I would like to speak to Keith Hackett because it is important we find a solution," said Benitez.

"At Liverpool we respect the game, the rules and we respect the referee."

Argentine midfielder Mascherano maintains that he does not understand why he was sent off in his side's 3-0 defeat by Manchester United.

Hackett is the general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, and in charge of the appointment and assessment of Premier League referees.

Mascherano - who had already been booked - appeared to question referee Steve Bennett's decision to caution Fernando Torres, and was then shown a second yellow card himself.

The FA will review Bennett's report and look at video footage before making a decision as to whether to increase Mascherano's punishment.

A decision is expected later on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old's case will not be helped by his furious reaction to his dismissal and his refusal to leave the pitch before he was dragged away by team-mates and management.

Mascherano is suspended from Sunday's Merseyside derby at Anfield but a charge of improper conduct would mean he also missed subsequent Premier League games against Arsenal and Blackburn.

But if Mascherano's punishment is increased, Liverpool would almost certainly demand a personal hearing, which would delay any future ban.