Mascherano charged by FA

LIVERPOOL WILL now consider their response after midfielder Javier Mascherano was charged with improper conduct.

The English Football Association issued the charge yesterday afternoon in response to Mascherano's reaction to his dismissal from Sunday's 3-0 defeat by 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 awarded a second yellow following his protests against a caution issued to striker Fernando Torres.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez 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 4th.

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

Time running out for Neville

GARY NEVILLE admits he may not make his return to the Manchester United first team until next season.

The Old Trafford club captain has not appeared for United since suffering an ankle injury against Bolton over a year ago.

Neville is back in full training and has played three reserve team matches since the turn of the year. But with United chasing a league and European Cup double, he admits this is not the best time for manager Alex Ferguson to ease him back into the fold. "It's going to take time for me to get back to full match sharpness after being out for so long," said Neville.

Barca deny rift with Ronaldinho

BARCELONA PRESIDENT Joan Laporta insists there is no rift between the club and playmaker Ronaldinho.

The 28-year-old Brazilian's season has been plagued by injuries and media speculation over his lifestyle, with his form on the pitch suffering as a result. However, Laporta maintains there is no problem between the Catalan giants and the former Paris St Germain man.

"There is no divorce between Barcelona and Ronaldinho. I have always had absolute respect for the player," said Laporta. "Ronaldinho has given a lot to Barca and I believe he can continue to do so. We all appreciate that at the moment he is going through a bad phase."

Riise weighing up his options

JOHN ARNE Riise admits he's becoming frustrated by a lack of first-team football at Liverpool.

The Norwegian defender has been a regular for the club since his switch from Monaco in 2001, but has found his opportunities restricted during the current campaign.

He has made just 26 starts in all competitions this season and has fallen behind fellow full-back Fabio Aurelio in the pecking order of late.

"I am not happy with the situation," said Riise. "I am used to playing in 80 per cent of all the games, but if I don't get to play as much as I want to I have to make a choice this summer as to whether I should stay or not.

Meanwhile, veteran central defender Sami Hyypia appears set to sign a new one-year contract this weekend which will extend the 34-year old's stay at Anfield beyond a decade.

Boruc looking for new challenge

CELTIC GOALKEEPER Artur Boruc is contemplating quitting the Parkhead club in the summer.

The 28-year-old Poland international, back in his homeland for last night's friendly against the USA, revealed he could be ready to leave Glasgow despite signing a new contract which runs to 2011, just two months ago.

"I feel very good in Glasgow but I would like to change environment. I would like to try something new," said Boruc.