Mascherano fined by Liverpool

Liverpool have fined Javier Mascherano £20,000 for his refusal to leave the pitch after his dismissal against Manchester United last Sunday, after the Argentine admitted an FA charge of improper conduct.

Rafael Benitez continued his show of support for a player who has requested a personal hearing with the FA, despite his plea, and whose fine is less than the single week's wages of £50,000 which had been expected. Benitez maintained, ahead of tomorrow's derby, that discipline wasn't a problem. "I haven't felt the need to speak to [the players]," he said. "You can see our record during the season. I don't think we will have problems in the future in terms of confrontation. This was the first red card of our season."

Mascherano's fine will be paid to charity.