Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has apologised to fans and his team-mates after being sent off after against Manchester United.
Brendan Rodgers’ side lost 2-1 at Anfield after Juan Mata netted a super brace, but it was Gerrard who stole the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Just 48 seconds after being brought on at half time, Gerrard stamped on United’s Ander Herrera and was sent off by referee Martin Atkinson.
Daniel Sturridge gave the Reds a lifeline before Wayne Rooney missed a chance to add some gloss to the scoreline as Simon Mignolet saved his penalty at the death.
With the result, United have taken a massive step towards their return to the Champions League, hindering Liverpool, who have lost their first game since the last meeting between these two sides.
Gerrard will however be the talking point of the match.
The former England captain, who might have played his last match against the Red Devils in a Liverpool shirt, has since apologised for his actions.
“I need to accept it, the decision was right,” Gerrard told Sky Sports in a post-match interview.
“I’ve let down my team-mates and the supporters. I take full responsibility.
“I’ve been in the game long enough when you do something like that. I take full responsibility.
“I don’t know what caused it. I don’t know. Probably just a reaction to the initial tackle.
“I shouldn’t say more about it really, I’ve just come out here to apologise to the dressing room and supporters.”
Should Gerrard be handed a three-match ban, as expected, he will miss the crucial clash against Arsenal on April 4.
He would also sit out the FA Cup Sixth Round replay against Blackburn the following Wednesday, and Newcastle’s visit to Anfield.
It could have been worse but for some Liverpool fans who restrained Mario Balotelli when the Italian looked set to retaliate violently against United’s Chris Smalling.
Smalling had clattered Balotelli into the hoardings, and the striker turned, reacting angrily.
Quick-thinking fans in the front row could be seen holding Balotelli back to stop him doing something rash given that he was already on a yellow card and would have been sent off for another bookable offence.
