Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano admits the criticism he copped last season after being sent-off at Manchester United had him rattled.

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."