Referee Steve Bennett took centre stage as he sent off Liverpool's Javier Mascherano just before halftime. The Argentinean Mascherano was booked early for a late challenge on Paul Scholes, to which he showed his distinct displeasure.
He persisted in challenging the referee's word throughout the first half, before running over 20 yards to argue against a yellow card shown to Fernando Torres—funnily enough for dissent.
A teammate tried to grab the Liverpool midfielder, but Mascherano broke free to again show his displeasure at the referee's decision—and the outcome was inevitable.
He was booked and sent off.
What followed was a mockery of the English game, with Mascherano attempting time and time again to get to the referee Steve Bennett despite having been sent off. It took Liverpool's entire backroom staff to calm the player down and get him to leave the field of play.
I can only ask myself one question:
Why?
It's obvious many players in the EPL don't respect the referees or their assistants. Thanks to Ashley Cole for highlighting this issue last week with his appalling reaction to his own tackle on Alan Hutton.
He never even got sent off, but felt the need to act like he was bigger than the game.
Then again, I suppose Ashley Cole isn't the best example, given that his personal life and switch to the blue of Chelsea have both been surrounded by controversy.
At any level I've played at (which is higher than most), such backchat would never be allowed. A few sly comments, yes—but not chasing the officials around the park.
The EPL has a real problem with disrespect towards officials, and I'm glad Steve Bennett made a stand today.
Along with diving, dissent is one of the nastier sides of football. I don't expect no comments to be made (I'm not saying we have to go with the totalitarian approach of Rugby Union), but a stricter approach is needed.
These are not Mickey Mouse referees, but the best of the best who pass challenge after challenge and exam after exam to get where they are. As far as I'm concerned, they deserve a little respect.
Actually, a whole lot of respect.
I feel sorry for Liverpool, as from that point on there was only really going to be one result, but simply put...
Mascherano talked himself into it.
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