Deadline extended for Mascherano

The Football Association have extended the deadline for Javier Mascherano to respond to his improper conduct charge until 6pm on Friday.

The Liverpool midfielder has been on international duty with Argentina, and the FA have agreed to a 24 hour extension.

However, the date for the case - scheduled to be heard by a regulatory commission - has been brought forwards to Thursday April 3.

The charge came after studying Mascherano's reaction to his dismissal from Sunday's 3-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Manchester United.

The Argentinian midfielder had to be dragged from the pitch by coaching staff and colleagues after being shown a red card in the 45th minute by Steve Bennett.

The referee had given Mascherano a second yellow following his protests against a caution issued to Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez admitted Mascherano made a mistake in refusing to leave the pitch, but felt his sending off was harsh.

Mascherano can accept or deny the charge and also has the option of requesting a personal hearing.

The 23-year-old is currently serving a one-match suspension for the dismissal, ruling him out of Sunday's Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield.

But if the charge of improper conduct is upheld then he will also miss Barclays Premier League games against Arsenal on April 5 and Blackburn eight days later. However, any ban would exclude the Champions League quarter-final first and second legs against Arsenal on April 2 and 9.