'Didn't Break Rules'- Mascherano Defends Using Phone After Red Card in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup QF

According to The Athletic, a Leagues Cup spokesperson revealed that Mascherano was not doing anything prohibited after receiving a red card.

Leagues Cup spokesperson: "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.”

The Leagues Cup guidelines indicate that 'unauthorized electronic or communication equipment and/or behaving inappropriately ' can result in a one to three-match suspension.

Despite the Leagues Cup spokesperson's statement, Mascherano still clarified the situation after causing controversy.

Javier Mascherano on Red Card Situation

Mascherano was asked about the red card against Tigres and insists that he did not break the rules, despite many believing he did, especially since he sat by the stands and on the phone. He wanted to sit close to the pitch and revealed that he may not be at the Orlando City game next week.

Javier Mascherano: "Where I was sitting, it was allowed to sit [there], it was the stands. It's a coincidence that the Inter Miami stadium stands are close to the pitch, and I wanted to be close to the pitch... We'll see [If I'll be there vs Orlando City] perhaps I'll watch it from home."

Mascherano also revealed that he is willing to pay the consequences as he always wants to help his players, but again insists that he did not break any rules.

Javier Mascherano: "The truth is the stands at our stadium are very close to the pitch, so I tried to stay as near as possible to help the team. It’s something that has happened many times in football and will continue to happen. I didn’t break any rules - I could’ve been sitting in an owner’s suite instead. The team needed me close. I’ll accept whatever consequences come... We asked Leagues Cup if I could sit there, and they said yes, it's the stands."

Mascherano also reveals that he was not on the phone with his assistant coach. He reveals that he was on the phone with video analysts.

Javier Mascherano: "On the phone, I was talking to the video analysts, we have two video analysts up [in the stadium] that film the match and look at the situations."