Mascherano fails to overturn ban

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has failed to overturn the extended two-match ban handed to him by the Football Association last month.

Mascherano was found guilty of improper conduct after being sent off at Manchester United on 23 March, banned for two extra games and fined £15,000.

He appealed on the grounds that the punishment was excessive but this was dismissed by the Appeals Panel.

He will now finish his ban by sitting out Sunday's game against Blackburn.

Mascherano appeared to question referee Steve Bennett's decision to caution Fernando Torres at Old Trafford and was then shown a second yellow card himself for dissent.

The Argentine, who admitted the charge, initially refused to leave the pitch.

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Mascherano had to be calmed down by Reds manager Rafa Benitez before he relented and left the field.

The midfielder, 23, was initially fined two weeks' wages by his club and banned for one game by the FA.

Mascherano has since apologised, telling the Daily Mail earlier this month: "I made a mistake and I regret this mistake. It was my fault. I apologise to everyone.

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

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