Mascherano’s behaviour came in the wake of Chelsea defender Ashley Cole’s show of petulance to referee Mike Riley last week and the Football Association’s launch of their ’Respect’ campaign – aimed at improving conduct towards officials.

For those reasons alone, he should perhaps have been more careful – and most people in the United camp felt the 23-year-old pressed the self-destruct button.

United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz underlined the Old Trafford opinion, saying: “The boy seemed to be looking for trouble.”

Alex Ferguson’s view on Mascherano’s dismissal was also pretty clear.

“I don’t know why the boy got involved. He had been booked, so he put himself on a knife-edge with what he did,” said the Scot.

“This last week the focus has been on dissent – people have been talking about it – and in that context it was clear it was going to be an issue at the weekend.”

Mascherano’s refusal to leave the field immediately after his sending-off, choosing instead to continue his rant at Bennett, seems likely to bring further disciplinary action.

The Football Association will no doubt review the video of the incident when they have received the referee’s report.

Mascherano will serve a one-match ban in Sunday’s derby against Everton but could be hit with a longer suspension or fine for his reaction to the red card.

United midfielder Michael Carrick revealed the question of dissent was something he and his team-mates were very aware of.

“Sometimes it is just the emotions in the game. These things happen, I suppose,” he said.

“This last week, especially, a lot has been said about dissent – and we were aware of that. It is something that was on everyone’s mind.

“It depends on the referee – some would have reacted; some may not. It was disappointing to see that happened – but we were ahead at the time any way, so I am not so sure it changed the course of the game much.”

Liverpool were left feeling aggrieved over Mascherano’s dismissal and equally disappointed they seemed to have been the victims of a crackdown on dissent after the Cole incident in a match against Tottenham last week.

The Anfield side have one of the best disciplinary records in the top flight and have never been accused of the mob-rule attacks on referees that have so disfigured the Premier League of late.

The Reds were also angry with the treatment meted out by United’s defenders to star striker Fernando Torres, who is awaiting the results of scans on ankle and back injuries.

Nemanja Vidic escaped without a yellow card, after his first-half tackle from behind brought down the Spain striker – while a challenge by Anderson on Torres was not even punished by Bennett, who re-started the game after treatment for the player with a drop-ball.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, having already backed Mascherano for being a “good professional”, defended his club.

“We haven’t had too many problems with referees in the last three or four years – I can see other teams, but not ours,” he said.

“Tell me in which game over the last four years you’ve seen our players go at referees? We have a lot of respect for referees.”