ZURICH, June 14 (Reuters) - FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina captain Javier Mascherano after he was sent off for kicking the driver of a medical cart in a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on Tuesday.

The Barcelona midfielder was shown a red card by Paraguayan referee Enrique Caceres with four minutes to go in Quito after the player lost his temper and shouted at the driver who was transporting him off the pitch injured.

Mascherano had to be calmed down by Argentina's support staff as he climbed off the cart when it stopped at the side of the pitch amid angry scenes involving players from both teams.

"We are able to confirm that we have opened proceedings against Mascherano but as usual we will not comment further because the case is ongoing," the media department of soccer's ruling body FIFA told Reuters on Friday.

Mascherano wrote on Twitter: "I really apologise for the reaction I had, nothing justifies this".

Argentina went ahead with an early penalty from Sergio Aguero before Segundo Castillo's 17th-minute equaliser earned Ecuador a 1-1 draw.

The Argentines lead the way on 26 points in South American World Cup qualifying, three points ahead of Colombia and five in front of third-placed Ecuador and Chile in fourth.
The top four advance to the 2014 finals in Brazil.