Liverpool will today decide their response to an improper conduct charge issued against Javier Mascherano, after the Argentina midfielder was red carded for dissent on Sunday.

The Football Association issued the charge yesterday, in light of Mascherano's reaction to his dismissal during the 3-0 Barclays Premier League defeat by Manchester United.

Mascherano had to be dragged from the pitch by coaching staff and colleagues, after being shown a second yellow card in the 45th minute by Steve Bennett, the referee, following his protests against a caution issued to his team-mate Fernando Torres.

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

The club has until 6pm today to respond, with the case scheduled to be heard by a regulatory commission on Friday, April 4. 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.

However, if the charge of improper conduct is upheld then he will also miss games against Arsenal on April 5 and Blackburn eight days later.

A statement released by the FA said: "Liverpool's Javier Mascherano has today been charged with improper conduct. The charge relates to his reaction towards referee Steve Bennett after being sent off against Manchester United."

Benitez had reacted to Mascherano's red card by demanding talks with Keith Hackett, the head of the Premier League's board of match officials. The Spaniard said: "I would like to speak to Keith Hackett, because it is important that we find a solution.

"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."