scapegoats

Liverpool lost to ManUtd, it was a game best remembered because of dubious referee decisions.

The authorities were calling for a "respect the referee" campaign during the past week after Chelsea's Ashley Cole turned his back to the referee (Mike Riley) when he was booked in another match.

The agenda is clear, Steve Bennett, who was the fourth official at the Chelsea's match, is determined to "set the records straight" in this match and make an example of anyone who he judges as showing dissent.

So, scapegoat Mascherano was given a second yellow card by Steve Bennett for dissent. But television replays showed Mascherano only asked the referee what happened after Torres was booked for dissent (ya,Torres was another scapegaot booked for asking why he was kicked all over the place the whole 44minutes and yet not even one man scum player was booked).

Asking questions is a no-no and it is equivalent to dissent, and the players have to be dumb in future. If this is the "guideline" on dissent, then consistency should follow in other matches. It will be ludicrous and unfair if referees don't book every single player who ask questions and speak to the referees from now on. Let's just wait and see.

MANCHESTER UNITED 3-0 LIVERPOOL
Sunday 23 March 2008,Barclays Premier League

11 mins : First Booking: Javier Mascherano: Masch is cautioned for a foul on Scholes

34 mins : GOAL! Wes Brown: Brown heads home Rooney's cross

44 mins : First Booking: Fernando Torres is fouled and frustrated,he talks himself into a booking

44 mins : Second Booking: Javier Mascherano: Disaster for Liverpool as Mascherano is given a second booking for dissent

79 mins : GOAL! Cristiano Ronaldo headed home from a corner

81 mins : GOAL! Nani's fine strike added a third goal for Man Utd