The Football Association issued the charge yesterday 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.

The club have until 6pm 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.