Rafa targets Hackett talks March 25 2008
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez plans to meet with referees chief executive Keith Hackett to clear up Javier Mascherano's sending off against Manchester United.
The Argentine international became the Reds' first player to receive his marching orders this season, following the two yellow cards he received from referee Steve Bennett on Sunday.
Benitez believes the 23-year-old did not deserve his second booking for alleged dissent towards the official which resulted in the midfielder being handed with a one-match suspension.
But things could get worse for Mascherano as the Football Association decide whether further punishment is needed in accordance with their 'Respect' campaign.
Benitez wants the situation cleared up well before the club's derby clash with Everton - which the player will miss and the triple tie against Arsenal.
"I would like to speak to Keith Hackett because it is important that we find a solution," Benitez told Liverpool's official website.
"At Liverpool, we respect the game, we respect the rules and we respect the referee, and it is important to remember that Mascherano was the first Liverpool player to be sent off in the league this season."