Leagues Cup confirms there was no prohibition against Mascherano using his cell phone after being sent off
Javier Mascherano did not violate Leagues Cup rulesMiami coach seen giving instructions via phoneArgentine is subject to disciplinary action for being sent offFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Leagues Cup officials confirmed that manager Javier Mascherano did not violate rules by using his cellphone to talk to his assistant from the stands after being sent off in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match on Wednesday night, according to .
The Argentine manager was sent off at half time, but then was seen in the stands in the 58th minute, barking instructions through his cellphone to assistant Lucas Rodriguez Pagano on the touchline.
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It remains unclear whether Mascherano violated competition rules by coaching after being sent off. Coaches who are removed from play typically view from the locker room or further back in the stands. On site, a Leagues Cup spokesperson confirmed that coaches are not allowed to give instructions.
Using a cell phone, though, is largely uncharted territory.
WHAT THE LEAGUES CUP SAID
A spokesperson didn't rule out further disclipnary action for Mascherano, but insisted that he was allowed to use his cell phone: "The Inter Miami head coach was located in a space designated according to tournament regulations. Cellphone communications are not prohibited per Leagues Cup regulations in this instance.”
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MASCHERANO?
Red cards typically carry one-game bans, and it's possible that he could face further disciplinary action. Miami's next game is an MLS fixture with D.C. United on Aug. 23.