Platini backs Mascherano punishment

UEFA president Michel Platini believes last weekend’s sending off of Javier Mascherano was the “right thing” and has backed the Football Association’s clampdown on dissent.

The Liverpool midfielder was sent off after confronting referee Steve Bennett in the Reds’ 3-0 defeat at Manchester United last Sunday – his dismissal coming just days after the outrage generated by Ashley Cole’s behaviour towards Mike Riley, who did not red card the Chelsea left-back.