The Sun called me dumb... and that really hurt

JAVIER MASCHERANO admits he turned into the silent assassin after a harsh home truth from The Sun.

Twelve months ago, the Liverpool tough guy was left shame-faced when ref Steve Bennett sent him packing at Old Trafford for a foul-mouthed rant in a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.

His refusal to leave the field just before half-time only made matters worse, with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso eventually escorting him off.

The backlash Mascherano received from pundits shook him to the core — and none more so than the pasting from Britain’s favourite newspaper.

Now the Argentina skipper has revealed SunSport’s headlines were the final straw which helped convince him he had to button his lip to officials. Mascherano explained: “I don’t talk to referees any more after that sending off.

“It’s true I made a mistake arguing about something I shouldn’t have been arguing about.

“The Sun called me the stupidest man in the world. It hurt to be called that as I didn’t think I deserved it.

“But fair enough, when you make a mistake you hold your head up and put up with the criticism, although I’m sure I wouldn’t have been sent off if I was English.

“In the Premier League, players say whatever they like to the ref but I have to learn I’m not in my own country.”

Ironically, Mascherano misses next week’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg showdown with Chelsea through suspension, although that was largely down to a totally inept ref in the win over Real Madrid.

Now the Kop idol just wants to get back into Premier League action at Fulham today and forget a nightmare international week.

The 24-year-old midfielder was in the Argy side that crashed to a sensational 6-1 hiding against Bolivia — their biggest loss in 50 YEARS.

Victory at Craven Cottage would put the Reds back on top of the league as leaders United do not host Aston Villa until tomorrow.

Mascherano added: “Liverpool had a perfect March. We showed we’re alive and fighting for all the titles.

“Before that it looked like United had the league sewn up but now anything can happen.

“We’re close and feel capable of becoming champions.

“Everybody’s dream is to win the league and we’ll give everything we have to make it happen.”

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez reckons pitching his star straight back into action is the best way to cure his wounded pride.

Benitez said: “When you lose a game like Argentina did, it’s really important to play another game quickly, so I will talk to him and see how he is.”

In fact, Rafa has been speaking to all his players since their return from international duty, to spell out how vital the next fortnight will prove in shaping their season. He added: “I have told them all how crucial this period will be and we’re playing with confidence at the moment.

“We know we’ll probably have to win every game and United are still favourites, so it would be very positive if we beat Fulham.”

Liverpool could hardly be in better form, rattling in 13 goals in three games — including EIGHT against Real and United.

They received another boost yesterday with Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt both agreeing two-year contract extensions.

Skipper Gerro’s commitment has really buoyed everyone at Anfield and Benitez admitted: “Our relationship has been good but now he’s more mature.

“Stevie can see my points of view in a different way. He’s the captain and leader, so we have to be close. But the manager cannot be a friend to the players.

“Other managers might have been very close but you have to keep a bit of distance because that’s how the business is now.”

That business will look a whole lot different should Liverpool succeed where Alex Ferguson’s champions failed a fortnight ago and break through Fulham’s defences.

Rafa is convinced the title fight could go down to the wire, which is why he was so annoyed his side only beat Villa 5-0 two weeks ago.

He added: “It was a very good result that could have been better. Maybe the international break wasn’t at the best time for us.

“We need to win to put pressure on United but the mentality of the people of Liverpool is ‘Don’t give up, keep going’.

“Maybe Mr Ferguson should be a bit nervous.”

Source: The Sun