Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano was given an additional two-match ban and fined 15,000 pounds ($29,800) by the English FA on Thursday following his sending off against Manchester United on March 23.

The FA announced the punish-ment on its Web site (www.thefa.com), saying the ban would come into immediate effect.

The 23-year-old Argentine admitted a charge of improper conduct at an FA disciplinary hearing on Thursday^and will now miss Liverpool's next two Premier League matches against Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers.

He had already been suspended for the Merseyside derby against Everton last weekend but played against Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday and will be eligible for the return leg of the quarterfinal at Anfield next Tuesday.

Mascherano 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 (he booking of FernandoTones.