Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano was astonished and confused as to why he was sent off during Liverpool’s clash with rivals Manchester United yesterday.

Liverpool lost 3-0 to their rivals Manchester United and had Mascherano sent off during the game. He looked to have questioned the referee’s decision to give Liverpool striker Fernando Torres a yellow card and was booked for his comments.

Mascherano said that he was confused as to the reason he was sent off. He said he was shocked to see the referee show him his second yellow card.

Mascherano will serve a one match ban but this ban may be increased by the FA as they try to cut out the dissent that players give to referees.

He might serve a longer ban for the way he reacted after being sent off. He reacted badly and would not leave the pitch for several minutes and was eventually helped off the field by other Liverpool players and coaches.

Mascherano said he asked the referee why he was being sent off, but didn’t swear or get aggressive towards him.

Liverpool had already conceded one goal before the incident and this effectively left them in a situation where they were unlikely to get back into the match.

Mascherano apologized to his team mates for his antics and for getting sent off.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said that he though Mascherano was wrong to question the referee, but was told by Ryan Babel that Mascherano only asked why Torres was being booked.