Mascherano fails in appeal

(GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano will have to complete a three-game Premier League ban after he failed in an appeal to the Football Association on Thursday.

The FA rejected a claim by the Argentina midfielder that an additional two-match suspension imposed because of his reaction to being sent off against Manchester United on March 23 was excessive.

Mascherano got a one-game ban for the red card, which came when he got a second yellow for confronting referee Steve Bennett over a decision against team-mate Fernando Torres, and an extra two-match suspension for improper conduct.

Mascherano continued to protest Bennett's decision at Old Trafford and eventually had to be led away by Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, even after his red card.

Mascherano has already missed two games and will now sit out Sunday's match at Blackburn.