Liverpool said on Friday they would appeal against an additional two-match ban imposed on midfielder Javier Mascherano by the English FA.

Mascherano punishment increased

The 23-year-old Argentine midfielder, who was banned from Liverpool's Premier League match against Everton last Sunday, was given the additional two-match suspension and fined 15,000 pounds ($29,800) by the FA on Thursday following his sending off against Manchester United [Images] on March 23.

Liverpool said on its Web site (www.liverpoolfc.tv) they would appeal against the decision, even though they risked having the punishment increased.

A club spokesman said: "We have put in the appeal and requested that the penalty not be set aside pending the outcome. Consequently Javier is suspended for tomorrow's game at Arsenal [Images]."

Mascherano admitted a charge of improper conduct at an FA disciplinary hearing on Thursday and also apologised for his actions.

He was sent off during the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford and reacted badly to the red card, having to be ushered off by Liverpool staff and team mates.

He was dismissed by referee Steve Bennett just before halftime. Already booked for a foul, he was shown a second yellow card in the 44th minute after running 20 metres to the referee and questioning the booking of Fernando Torres.

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