Today marks 14 years since Javier Mascherano was “dragged” off the pitch against Manchester United following his red card in a disastrous day for Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool.
The Reds endured an afternoon to forget at Old Trafford as Liverpool lost 3-0 to their bitter rivals. An unlikely goal from Wes Brown in the first-half kick-started a dismal display, which was made even worse when Mascherano was given his marching orders, just ten minutes later.
Referee Steve Bennett had just booked Fernando Torres for dissent after the forward had complained about being fouled by Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand in quick succession. And despite having seen his team-mate cautioned for the same offence, Mascherano proceeded to take issue with the ref’s decision, which led to him receiving a second yellow.
